Former Indian cricketers Munaf Patel and Mohammad Azharuddin have recently opined on the retirement rumors of MS Dhoni, saying the veteran Indian wicket-keeper batsman is capable enough to take the right decision whenever it is to be taken.
There have been a lot of speculations that the two-time World Cup-winning captain will announce his retirement from international cricket after India’s painful 2019 World Cup exit. However, there is no comment on the same from Dhoni.
MS Dhoni made himself available from the upcoming tour of West Indies to serve his army regiment for two months, thus adding more fire to the rumours on his future in international cricket.
Speaking to a TV channel, Munaf hailed former Indian captain for his contribution to Indian cricket, saying people must not ignore a player like Dhoni.
He stated, “He has his own planning. He must have told the BCCI but not all things are revealed. Dhoni doesn’t need anybody to tell him what to do. He has done so much for the country. What West Indies have achieved since 1975, Dhoni has done it in a few years (2007-15). He has won us all trophies. You can’t ignore him just like that.”
Meanwhile, Azharuddin believes that some decision will come from Dhoni very soon while saying he wants him to continue playing for India if his performance and fitness would be unquestionable.
Azhar said, “About big player, the player is also taken into confidence and spoken to. I feel some decision will come. Otherwise, people will keep writing that (he) should retire, not retire. Because, no statement has come from Dhoni. My opinion is that if he is fit and playing well, he should play. If he is fit and performance is good, he can play. Sometimes what happens is, interest is lost after playing so much cricket. If his interest is still 100 percent, I feel, he is a good player and he should play.”
He continued, “But, I just want to request him. Whenever he plays, he should play aggressively. Sometimes, reflexes slow down after a certain age. But, Dhoni, it does not appear that the reflexes are slow. If he plays his natural game more, I feel that will be good for India.”
Azharuddin signed off by saying, “He has taken rest for two months. Maybe, he will tell after that what he will do. I feel he will take the right decision whenever it is to be taken.”
(With Hindustan Times Inputs)
