Veteran wicketkpeeper batsman MS Dhoni has most likely played his final ODI in India. The third game of the five-match ODI series against Australia in Ranchi was a special occasion for Dhoni as he was playing in front of his home crowd.

Already there was speculation that it was probably Dhoni’s last ODI, maybe even international game, at home. The game ended in defeat for India as Virat Kohli’s ton chasing 314 went on vain.

Dhoni himself could only manage 26 off 42 balls as India fell short by 32 runs. After the match, batting coach Sanjay Bangar revealed Dhoni will be rested for the final two ODI matches of the series with Rishabh Pant set to take over.

“There will be some changes because Mahi (Dhoni) is not going to play the final two matches. He is taking rest,” Bangar was quoted as saying. “Also, (Mohammed) Shami hurt his leg so we will need to check whether he can be fit. If he does not get fit then Bhuvneshwar Kumar could come in.”

With the IPL set to start on March 23 and the World Cup soon after, it seems the Ranchi ODI was it was Dhoni in India as far as ODIs are concerned. How long Dhoni continues in international cricket after the World Cup in England remains to be seen; the veteran quit Test cricket and gave up captaincy before being pushed to do it.