Play, Perform or Perish: Sourav Ganguly's hint to MS Dhoni

He took the reins of Indian cricket as captain in 2000 when it was going through a crisis, he has taken command yet again at the time of crisis - now as the BCCI President. On the very first day of assuming office, Sourav Ganguly played his trademark "cover drive" on the front foot giving a clear indication of a massive transformation in Indian cricket. And the message is loud and clear: "Play, Perform or Perish." The principle applies equally to the officials and the players. 

READ | Sourav Ganguly draws parallels between becoming BCCI chief & captain

In other words, its a straight cut message to former India captain MS Dhoni to make himself available to be considered for selection and perform or else be prepared to be dropped or not being picked in future. Sourav Ganguly will have a one on one meeting with Dhoni soon where he is likely to discuss his future plans, meaning his plans about his retirement.  The BCCI president has indicated that "picking and choosing" matches and series were not appreciated and this has to stop. No one in cricket is above the game and one cannot take such a long break, Ganguly had told newspersons recently.

READ | Did Vinod Rai give a free hand to Kohli & Shastri? Here's his answer

Now this will be interesting to see whether Ganguly goes to meet Dhoni informally or calls him officially for such a meeting.  It is learnt from the reliable sources that Dhoni has made himself unavailable for the Bangladesh series as well and that has not gone down well with Ganguly. The buck (on Dhoni) has to stop somewhere and it looks like stopping with Ganguly.

READ | Sourav Ganguly sets priorities straight on Day 1 as BCCI President

READ | Rohit Sharma & Rahane storm into top 10 in latest ICC Test rankings