In the world Cup semi-final, India needed 25 runs off the last 11 balls, Lockie Ferguson balls a slower bouncer, Dhoni manages to get an edge on it, runs for a single and decided to go for another, but he was late, Martin Guptill’s brilliant throw onto the wicket steals the show. The veteran batsman gets run out and India had to lose the game. Known as the best finisher, fails to deliver it this time.
The world cup winning captain might have played the last game of his career. However, he has not yet made an official statement regarding his retirement, but it is confirmed that he is in the edge of his career. Many cricket experts have expressed that Dhoni should bid a farewell to the cricket world and give youngsters the opportunity.
Dhoni may not be a part of Men in Blue
Now, a report suggests that if Dhoni decides to continue playing for team India, he might have to fight for his place in the team as he will not be an automatic pick anymore. BCCI officials have given a hint that he could be axed from the playing XI and give chances to the youngsters. He may have kept everyone scratching their heads on his announcement of retirement, but there is a strong indication that the Wicket Keeper batsman is in the edge of his career.
A few days ago, former Pakistani pacer, Shoaib Akhtar had advised Dhoni to quit before others force him to do. The Rawalpindi Express, also stated that Dhoni must see whether his body permits him to carry out further, this is because after 35 generally, the body slows down even if there’s a mental desire to carry on.
BCCI may go for youngsters like Rishab Pant
A member of BCCI committee had told, “We’re surprised that he’s not done it so far. There are youngsters like Rishab Pant waiting to grab their chances in the playing XI. As we saw in the world cup, he isn’t the same as he was before. Despite coming in at No. 6 or 7, he was seen struggling to face the pace, and it was hurting the team.”
Now it is said that if Dhoni hasn’t taken a decision on his retirement, then chief selector MSK Prasad will speak to him personally and may explain to him that his playing days have come to an end.
“We didn’t want to distract him, and he too must have wanted the team, and himself, to be focused on the Cup. But the time to take a call is now. He has nothing left to achieve or prove in international cricket anymore,” officials stated.
More or less, BCCI is likely to call a meeting soon to select the team for the tour of West Indies. The tour is set to have three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests and Dhoni could be ‘rested’ if he does not retire on return from England.
