IPL performances should not be the base for Test, ODI selection: Dhoni

CENTURION - After having lost to its arch rival Pakistan in their first match of the Champions Trophy, Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Sunday pointed out that performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) should not be the base for players being selected for Test and ODI matches.

“The thing is you see good performances in the domestic and IPL circuit and you suddenly think of them as India prospects. But, a 50-over game is different from a 20-over match. It also tests your endurance, whether you are similarly fresh in bowling at the death,” Dhoni said during a press conference in Centurion.

Dhoni also pointed out to all-rounder Yusuf Pathan’s performance to embark his point. Yusuf has always been in splendid form while playing for his IPL team Rajasthan Royals, but has failed to show a similar display in the international stage.

“Yusuf has loads of talent and he has been dominating at the domestic and IPL level. But, he hasn’t translated it in international level. That’s a worry,” Dhoni said.

Dhoni further said that he would go in with five bowlers to keep a tight hold on Australian batsmen in their do or die game on Monday.

“I would say they are short of confidence. These are talented boys who have bowled well in all conditions. Once they start clicking everything will fall in place,” Dhoni said.

“It sure gets tough with the batsmen if you play an extra bowler, but then it’s one and the same thing if bowlers go for major runs. It again brings the pressure on batsmen. So, in this case the batsmen would have to take responsibility,” he added. (ANI)