MS Dhoni’s recent form has been in the spotlight after India’s 2-1 defeat to England in the ODI series. The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman’s display generated strong criticism from former players and his decision to collect the match-ball from the umpire after the deciding ODI at Headingley had sparked speculation about a possible retirement.
However, Dhoni’s former team-mate and India legend Sachin Tendulkar has said that the Ranchi-born man would be the best-placed to take a call on his retirement.
“I know people are talking about a lot of things… I have read Mr (Sunil) Gavaskar’s statement and seen Sourav’s (Ganguly) remark that Dhoni needs to do more. But if you speak to MS himself, he would also say that it has not been up to his expectations,” Tendulkar told the Mumbai Mirror in an interview.
Dhoni’s recent form with the bat has come under the spotlight.
“The player only has to take the call. A player of his calibre, who has been around for a long time, knows what is expected of him. And where he stands. So, I will leave the decision to him,” he continued.
Dhoni was booed by some sections of the crowd at Lord’s in the second ODI at Lord’s during his painstakingly slow knock of 42 in 69 balls as India went on to lose the match.
Virat Kohli’s men will now lock horns with the hosts in a five-match Test series that gets underway at Edgbaston on August 1. Tendulkar believes respecting the conditions will be the key for the visitors.
“The first basic rule (of an overseas tour): Respect conditions. It’s the key. The first morning of the series, the first over, the first spell – it’s always the key. It was the same in South Africa, it will be the same in England,” he added.