The second ODI of the three-match series between India and South Africa is scheduled to be played in Ranchi. As international cricket moves to Jharkhand's capital, fans will be reminded of the man who has put the city on the world map, former India captain MS Dhoni.
While Dhoni has now long hung up his boots, his heroics in Indian colours continues to inspire the next generation of cricketers. On the eve of the second ODI at Dhoni's hometown, Shardul Thakur said that even the team misses MSD in the dressing room because of the vast experience he has.
"Everybody misses him because his experience matters a lot. He has played more than 300 ODIs, close to 90 Tests and he played a lot of T20Is as well. So this much-experienced player, it is rare that you come across such an experienced player. We miss him definitely," Shardul was quoted as saying in a press conference on Saturday.
Talking about the series, India are 0-1 behind after losing the series opener in Lucknow. The Men in Blue have been handed a further blow with the BCCI confirming that Deepak Chahar has been ruled out due to fitness concerns. Further, the Indian Cricket Board named Washington Sundar as Chahar's replacement.
"The All-India Senior Selection Committee named Washington Sundar as replacement for Deepak Chahar for the remainder of the ODI series against South Africa. Mr. Chahar had a stiffness in his back after the third and final T20I against South Africa in Indore and did not feature in India’s Playing XI in the first ODI in Lucknow. He will now head back to the National Cricket Academy (NCA)," the BCCI said in an official release.
India squad for South Africa ODIs:
Shikhar Dhawan (captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubhman Gill, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), Rajat Patidar, Rahul Tripathi, Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper), Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar.
