New Delhi, Sep 12: All Virat Kohli wanted was to remember a good partnership with Mahendra Singh Dhoni but the seemingly innocuous social media post ended up triggering a fresh avalanche of speculation on the former skipper's future on Thursday.
It started with Kohli posting a picture of himself with Dhoni from the 2016 World T20 quarter final match against Australia, which India won by six wickets. In that match, Kohli top-scored with a 51-ball 82 not out and stitched a 67-run unbeaten partnership with his then captain Dhoni (18 not out) to steer India home.
"A game I can never forget. Special night. This man (Dhoni), made me run like in a fitness test @msdhoni," Tweeted Kohli alongside the picture.
The appreciation tweet, within no time, was linked to Dhoni's future and speculation started that the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman would be making an announcement by evening.
Dhoni, who is currently on a break in the USA, became a trending topic on social media thanks to Kohli's post before the speculation was put to rest.
"I don't know from where these rumours started. I don't think they are true," was Chairman of Selectors MSK Prasad's response when the senior player's name cropped up while he was addressing a press conference to announce India's Test squad for the home series against South Africa.
Dhoni's future has been a subject of intense speculation ever since he announced a sabbatical from the game after the World Cup in June-July.
He made himself unavailable for the recently-concluded tour of the West Indies as well as the upcoming home assignment against South Africa.
The 38-year-old spent a chunk of the break time serving in the Territorial Army, where he is an honorary lieutenant colonel.
The selectors, on the other hand, have made it clear that Rishabh Pant would be their top choice for the wicketkeeper's slot going forward and keeping next year's World T20 Championship in focus.
A game I can never forget. Special night. This man, made me run like in a fitness test ? @msdhoni ?? pic.twitter.com/pzkr5zn4pG
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) September 12, 2019
Ok , I am prepared.
— Neel Patel (@NeelPatel189) September 12, 2019
I won't cry.
I promise.
Tears rolling down already. ?#Dhoni
#Dhoni
— Gudumba (@Gudumba6) September 12, 2019
I can't imagine cricket without you playing ? pic.twitter.com/FXJqm5MK4z
Dear dhoni we would not let you go without this!!!! ❤?? #Dhoni pic.twitter.com/Pw91Uhz7CF
— Vikram Singh ?? (@TheVikram_) September 12, 2019
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Bengaluru: Shaheen Group of Educational Institutions is announcing special scholarships for 1000 students of government and aided schools for the current academic year, announced Dr. Abdul Qadeer, head of Shaheen Group of Educational Institutions on Tuesday.
Addressing a press conference at the Bift Hall of the Darussalam Building on Queen's Road in the city, he said that students who have obtained more than 90% marks in the SSLC examination and have studied in Kannada, Urdu or English medium in government and aided schools in the state can apply for this scholarship.
Selected students will be granted a 75% tuition fee waiver to study at Shaheen PU Colleges located in various parts of the country. Dr. Abdul Qadeer said the initiative aims to support students from families below the poverty line.
Eligible students can apply by visiting the nearest Shaheen college or by applying online at www.shaheengroup.org. The last date to apply is May 15. Interviews for shortlisted applicants will be conducted on May 18 at Shaheen colleges. Priority will be given to students from rural areas, children with disabilities, and orphans.
Dr. Abdul Qadeer also introduced the CARES initiative, which aims to ensure that no child is deprived of education due to financial constraints. Under this scheme, if religious institutions such as mosques, Baitul Maal, temples, or churches come forward to cover 40% of the education expenses of children from the poorest backgrounds, the Shaheen Foundation will contribute the remaining 60% as a scholarship.
He also mentioned that the Minority Welfare Department of Karnataka has decided to provide secular education alongside religious education in 100 madrasas. Work has already begun in 97 madrasas under this initiative. There is scope for enrolling nearly 2,000 school dropouts. Children above the age of 12 will be trained and prepared to pass the SSLC examination within two years, he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Abdul Qadeer also announced that the Shaheen Group of Educational Institutions has signed an agreement with M.S.I.T. Medical College, a government-run institution in Tajikistan. Indian students who wish to pursue MBBS studies will be enrolled there, and the curriculum will be based on Indian standards. A total of 500 students will be admitted under this program. After completing the MBBS course, students will be trained for India’s qualifying examination. For more information, students are requested to call the helpline number 9686601088 or visit the website www.msitshaheen.com.
Educationist Syed Tanveer Ahmed, Shaheen Group of Educational Institutions Acting Head Sheikh Shafiq, Chief Executive Officer Tausif Ahmed, Director Asif Ali were present at the press conference.