MS Dhoni leads India as captain for 200th time

MS Dhoni returned to lead India as Rohit Sharma was rested for the Super Four match against Afghanistan at the Asia Cup in Dubai on Tuesday. Dhoni had stepped down as India’s limited overs captain in January 2017 and handed over the reins to Virat Kohli. Dhoni returned to lead India for the first time after 696 days.

This is Dhoni’s 200th ODI as India captain. He had last captained India in the ODI series against New Zealand. At the toss, Dhoni urged his men to keep their intensity up in the dead rubber and added it was destiny that he was leading India for the 200th time in ODIs.

“We were looking to bowl first. Quite a few changes. Both the openers are missing, Bhuvi, Bumrah and Chahal are also missing. Everybody who hadn’t played in this tournament get a chance. They are part of the 15 and are representing India.

“We’ll have to keep the intensity up. It is important for them to adjust to the line and length they need to bowl. I was not really sure of where I am standing. I have captained 199 ODIs, so this gives me an opportunity to make it 200.

“It’s all destiny and I have always believed in that. It’s not in my control, once I left captainship. Good to complete 200, but I don’t think it really matters.”