Indore: Amid speculation that Mahendra Singh Dhoni is contemplating retirement, former national selector Sanjay Jagdale said Friday that the selection panel should find out what was going on in the veteran wicket-keeper’s mind about his future.
However, Sanjay Jadgale, who has also been a former BCCI secretary, asserted that Dhoni was mature enough to take a call on his retirement from limited overs cricket.
The 38-year-old 2011 World Cup-winning captain, whose finishing abilities with the bat has been on the wane, would be the centre of discussion when the national selection committee meets Sunday in Mumbai to pick up squads for the West Indies series starting next month. The series will feature three T20 games, the same number of ODIs and two Tests.
“Dhoni is a great player and has always selflessly played for India. In my opinion, the Indian team currently have no viable alternative to Mahendra Singh Dhoni as wicketkeeper-batsman,” Jagdale told this agency.
“Dhoni is mature enough to take a decision on his retirement. But the (national) selectors should meet him to find out what is going on in his mind about his professional future as was done in the case of Sachin Tendulkar before his retirement. The selectors should also inform Dhoni in what capacity they want to see him in the future,” added the 68-year-old Jagdale.
Dhoni was criticised for slow batting during the World Cup, where India’s campaign ended in the semifinals, but Jagdale, a former first-class player, defended the ex-captain, stating that he played as per the situation.
“Dhoni played in the World Cup as per the team’s requirement. In the semifinal also he was batting as per the strategy of the squad but unfortunately he got run out at a crucial moment (in the game),” Jagdale pointed out. “It is not expected from a 38-year-old player to play with the same energy and vigour that he displayed in his prime days.”
Taking a dig at those criticising Dhoni, the former BCCI office-bearer said, “Even those players are criticising him who have not played well in their career. However, only true players know Dhoni’s worth.”
PTI