The news that Na’Vi was parting ways with its entire, legendary Dota 2 team last week sent shockwaves through the scene. But now it appears two of those players won’t leave the team after all.
Danil “Dendi” Ishutin, an iconic player for the team for over five years, and Akbar “SoNNeikO” Butaev, are in fact not going anywhere. Instead, the pair will remain with the team as permanent members of the roster. Three other players will be announced soon, joining Na’vi on a “probationary” arrangement. Both Ishutin and Butaev will take a leading role in trying out the new members and helping the team come to a new, permanent five-man lineup.
Ishutin’s apparent departure from the team seemed like a drastic move to many fans and commentators, given his legendary status in the game and strong association with the brand over his five-year tenure.
While no announcement has been made on what players are joining on a probationary basis, Dmitry “Ditya Ra” Minenkov, Gleb “Funn1k” Lipatnikov and Andrey “alwayswannafly” Bondarenko are playing with the team against Ninjas in Pyjamas today in the qualifiers for The Summit 4. Lipatnikov was one of the three players who left the team last week, and as yet there is no indication if he is subbing or attempting to have his departure annulled as well.
