Syed Kirmani thinks MS Dhoni should not have retired from Tests

Kirmani says Virat still needs Dhoni's guidance in longer format.

MS Dhoni | GETTY

Former India cricketer Syed Kirmani thinks MS Dhoni should not have retired from Test cricket so early.

He thinks Indian skipper Virat Kohli needs someone for guidance in Tests too. Kirmani also said Dinesh Karthik is the man to replace Dhoni after he retires from all formats. 

"I still feel Dhoni didn't do the right thing by retiring from Tests. Virat still needs his guidance and also the next batch could have learned more about the rigours of Test cricket from him. But as far as ODIs and T20s are concerned, my choice is Dinesh Karthik. He is a fantastic batsman, a safe wicketkeeper and a very good outfielder. He is an all-rounder for me," Kirmani said.

"In Tests, it will be a choice between Wriddhiman Saha, Parthiv and maybe Karthik. It will depend on who is in form and remains fit," he opined.

Kirmani is unhappy with all the speculation about Dhoni's career. "Show me, one Indian batsman, apart from skipper Virat Kohli, who has shown amazing consistency for a period of five years now. I don't think there is anyone. Virat is in a different league. So why only pinpoint Dhoni? Don't forget, he has given results for nearly 15 years now. He is still an asset for the team," he said.

The former wicket-keeper believes young Rishabh Pant should be monitored a bit longer in the domestic circuit, unlike Parthiv Patel. "Everyone is not Sachin Tendulkar, who will be a success at 16 years. He was a prodigy but that's not the case with everyone else. Parthiv was inducted very early which shouldn't have happened. Rishabh is talented but he should be groomed enough so that he doesn't go the Parthiv way," Kirmani said.

Pant is considered as Dhoni's replacement for future. But he has failed to impress in the given chances. "The influx of ODI cricket and John Wright's entry as Indian cricket coach meant that result was paramount and technique took a backseat. There was no proper guidance for the keepers as suddenly they wanted batsmen, who could barely manage to keep.

"Parthiv was inducted very early -- right from U-19 to senior team (he had played India A when he was summoned for England series). That should have never happened," the veteran said.

"Parthiv suffered as he was not ready. He suffered because of lack of experience and started lagging behind. That's why I stress about grooming someone at the domestic level. Don't induct a Pant or a Sanju Samson straightaway.

"I would want them to show more consistency at the first-class level for a considerable period along with peak fitness and immaculate keeping technique," said Kirmani.

(With PTI inputs)

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 11 Mar, 2018

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