India’s limited-overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s future has been a hot topic of discussion for sometime now. On the eve of team’s departure for Australia, when asked about retirement, the 34-year-old said, he will think about quitting the game at the “right time”. In fact, the 34-year-old Dhoni was asked the same question about his retirement after India’s exit from ICC World Cup 2015 and he had then denied that he had such plan.
“I am a person who lives in the present and the focus right now is the Australian tour leading up to the World T20 Championships. I will think about it at the right time.”
“One of the youngsters – Gurkeerat or Manish Pandey – will get to play at either Nos 5, 6 or 7. We have four very good top order batsmen (Shikhar, Rohit, Kohli and Rahane). No. 6 or 7 is the most difficult spot for any batter. In the past we have tried many people but very few have succeeded in that position. That’s why Suresh Raina was good. Depending on how well they play, we will evaluate. I feel No 5 is good slot for a newcomer,” he said.
The Indian captain is also pleased with the R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja’s return to form. He also welcomed fast bowler Mohammed Shami’s return to the side after undergoing an extensive rehabilitation programme post knee surgery.
The rumours about Dhoni’s retirement from international cricket found more impetus following his less-than-ordinary performance in the series against Bangladesh and South Africa. Dhoni also spoke about his wish to bat up the order and groom a younger finisher for the team ahead of the home series against Proteas.
The calls to have Virat Kohli captain in all three formats have grown louder as his attacking instincts in the longer format has impressed many. Team India won two crucial Test series against Sri Lanka and South Africa in 2015 under the Delhi batsman’s leadership.