Former India captain MS Dhoni’s childhood coach Keshav Banerjee feels that the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy will play a crucial role in deciding the cricketer’s future at the international level.

India won the previous edition of the Champions Trophy under the captaincy of Dhoni four years ago.

The Jharkhand wicket-keeper quit limited overs captaincy earlier this year, with Virat Kohli taking over as the Indian skipper.

“At the moment, his sole focus is on the Champions Trophy. If he’s successful there, he would go on till the World Cup 2019,” said Banerjee.

Banerjee further added that although Dhoni doesn’t score at the same pace as he once used to, the 35-year-old is still a special player.

“It’s natural that with age, you would not hit the same strike-rate. But his willpower and game-analysing sense are the two qualities that make him special,” he said.

“He’s out there playing domestic one-dayers (Vijay Hazare Trophy) to keep himself in shape ahead of the Champions Trophy.”

The Champions Trophy tournament takes place in England in June.