Aakash Chopra questions ICC for picking MS Dhoni in the T20I team of the decade

As soon as the ICC released dream squads of the decade, it has caught the attention of every cricket fanatic around the world. Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni has been honoured with the captain’s hat in both the ODI and T20I teams respectively. Strikingly, Indian players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah have roared in to seal the star-studded spot in T20Is- thanks to their relentless hard work and perseverance.

Opinions and congratulatory messages continue to pour in from the Indian fans and admirers to Indian ace cricketers. However, the cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra iterated critical opinion questioning the selection credibility of the T20 Dream team of the decade. Apparently, he was surprised to see Indian star MS Dhoni in the T20I squad.

Neither has India won anything nor has MS Dhoni done that well in T20Is: Aakash Chopra 

The former Delhi-based cricketer questioned the presence of Indian cricketers in the T20I squad in the first place. Notably, the likes of short-format specialist Jos Butler has been omitted from the high-profile list.

“I am slightly intrigued because if you talk about T20Is in this decade, neither has India won anything nor has Dhoni done that well in T20Is. We are making a T20I team and it does not have players like Jos Buttler etc,” observed Aakash Chopra.

Talking about the Indian legend’s performance, MS Dhoni has amassed 1176 runs in the 73 T20Is he has featured in the last 10 years. The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman flaunts a brilliant average of 45.23. Also, he has produced a 56-run knock which is his highest score. It can be said that he has probably not dominated the shortest format of the game at the international level as much he has done in 50-over cricket or even in the IPL. Also, the Men-in-blue have not been in the greatest of forms as they are yet to register a second T20 trophy win since 2007.

Moreover, the absence of a single Pakistani cricketer has become a talking point in the cricketing arena. Aakash also put forth the point doubting whether it is a T20I team. Also, he critically weighed on the strategic tactics behind the selection of the team of the decade.

“My major bone of contention is that it seems they have not made the T20I team at all. They are making the team of the decade and it is not only about the Pakistani thing why none of their players are there but it just doesn’t make sense,” said Aakash Chopra. “A T20I team generally has 5-6 batsmen and then should have five bowlers at least. It is even better if there are 6-7 bowling options.”