New Delhi: There seems to be a difference of opinion among former and present cricketers on whether M S Dhoni should continue playing or hang up his boots. Ever since the culmination of the 50-overs World Cup in the UK, speculations have been rife that Dhoni might have played his last game for the country. While he has made himself unavailable, there is no official word on what exactly is his plan of action.
While some in the cricket fraternity believe it is up to the 38-year-old to call time on his playing career, there are few voices among former players who believe the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman should now hang up his boots so that the Indian think tank can nurture young talents.
Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir, who is known to not mince his words, believes that the decision of retirement should be left on Dhoni. But he doesn't see Dhoni playing the 2023 World Cup and thus, it is only fair that a young player is given the opportunity.
"I feel that retirement is a very individual decision. Till the time you want to play you are allowed to play, but you do have to look at the future as well. I do not see Dhoni playing the next World Cup," Gambhir told a leading national daily.
"So whoever is the captain (then), Virat (Kohli) or any one else, should have the courage to say so, that this player is not fitting into the scheme of things. It's time for some of the youngsters to get groomed in the next four-five years, because ultimately it is not about Dhoni, it is about the country.'
The cricketer-turned politician wants chances to be given to players like Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson in order to prepare them well for the quadrennial event to be held in India in 2023.
"It is not about Dhoni staying on for the next cricket World Cup, it is about winning the next cricket World Cup. You might want to give the opportunity to Rishabh Pant or Sanju Samson, any young cricketer. They should get the opportunity. I think personally, if you ask me, I think it's time for Indian cricket to look beyond Dhoni."
Earlier, out-of-favour Indian batsman Suresh Raina said Dhoni has a lot to offer to Indian cricket and can prove to be a worthy asset for the team in next year's World T20.
"He is still fit, still a terrific wicketkeeper and still the greatest finisher in the game. Dhoni will be an asset for India in the T20 World Cup," Raina told another leading national daily.
Echoing similar sentiments, India's limited-overs opener Shikhar Dhawan said Dhoni should be the only person to decide as far his future is concerned.
"Dhoni has been playing for so long. I feel he understands when he should retire. This should be his decision. He has taken very important decisions so far for India in his career and I'm sure he will make the call when the time comes," Dhawan said on a popular TV programme.
It should be noted that Dhoni has made himself unavailable for selection till November.
