MS Dhoni's days as India cricketer have ended, going by the statements from MSK Prasad, the chairman of selectors, while announcing India's T20I and Test squads for the Bangladesh series at home, ESPN reports.
Dhoni did not feature in the T20I squad - he's already retired from Tests - and while Prasad didn't say Dhoni had been dropped, his answer was unambiguous: "This is our clear thought process that post-World Cup we are focusing on Rishabh Pant only."
When prodded - he was asked the Dhoni question four times - Prasad said, "I made it very clear post the World Cup that we are moving on. We are giving opportunities to youngsters and see that they establish themselves in the side. With Rishabh Pant doing so well and even Sanju Samson coming into the side [as back-up wicketkeeper], I am sure you must be understanding our thought process."
Prasad added that Dhoni had been spoken to about his future and the former India captain "also endorses our view of backing youngsters".
When asked if Dhoni could make a comeback by returning to domestic cricket, Prasad did not give a conclusive answer. "That is purely his personal call," Prasad said. "Going into domestic cricket, getting his touch back, or thoughts about retirement, everything is purely his personal (decision). We've already laid the roadmap for future, I'm sure you can see in the way we are selecting the teams."
"We are very, very confident that he will come out successful and this is our clear thought process that post World Cup we are focusing on Rishabh Pant only"
Prasad's comments came after the selection committee meeting at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai, which was also attended by the board's newly elected president and secretary, Sourav Ganguly and Jay Shah respectively. Also present were India captain Virat Kohli and his deputy in the limited-overs formats, Rohit Sharma, who will lead India in the Bangladesh T20Is, with Kohli rested.
