3 Reasons why this is the perfect time for MS Dhoni to retire 

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been one of the greatest servants of Indian cricket for the last decade and a half. The talisman from Ranchi reached 10000 ODI runs in the recently-concluded ODI series against England. He has had a gigantic ODI career so far playing 321 games. Arguably, Dhoni is the greatest wicket-keeper batsman in the history of ODI cricket.

In recent times though, the great man has been under fire for not making it count. His strike rates along with his finishing abilities have greatly declined. It is clear that he isn't the Dhoni that he used to be in his prime.

One question everybody is asking is when will the great MSD hang up his boots. While the end of 2019 World Cup seems to be the obvious answer, it may not be a bad idea for him to do so 10 months before the tournament starts. Let us take a look at 3 reasons why this is the perfect time for MS Dhoni to retire.

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#3. Long way to go before the World Cup

India will play a fair no. of ODIs before the World Cup

India will play a lot of ODI cricket before the 2019 World Cup. The itinerary includes Asia Cup in September and 5 ODIS against the West Indies at home for the remaining part of the year. In 2019, India play 3 ODIS in Australia before a limited-overs tour to New Zealand (5 ODIS) and then against host Australia in a 5-match ODI series.

This means India are certain to play 18 ODIs before the World Cup kicks off which is enough time to groom another wicket-keeper batsman. Also, considering the potential candidates are familiar to international cricket, they're less likely to take a lot of time to establish themselves.

With time not being a factor, India can afford to give plenty of chances to the candidate they see as the man who will don the wicket-keeping gloves in the 2019 World Cup.

#2. Pool of talent

Dinesh Karthik and Rishab Pant are automatic choices for the wicket-keeper batsman spot.

There are a number of talented wicket-keeper batsmen waiting on the fringes of selection who seem ready to fill in the big shoes of MSD at the international level. These players are itching to get into the Indian side after stellar performances in the domestic cricket and the IPL.

Dinesh Karthik is already batting in the middle-order and could easily take up the wicket-keeping duties. The likes of Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant are exciting prospects to watch out for. KL Rahul is also a good backup option. Ishan Kishan is another name that team India could consider.

It is harsh to expect these players to perform as well as Dhoni has for India, but if given a long rope, they can certainly try to emulate the legend. Considering this, India certainly need not worry about post-Dhoni life.

#1. Diminishing finishing abilities

Dhoni has struggled to up his strike rate in death overs off late.

There is no denying that Dhoni's finishing skills are declining fast and age is catching up on him. Once upon a time, Dhoni was a batsman who could take the attack to the opposition right from the word go which is not happening anymore.

The rut which he is in right now doesn't seem to be a lean patch which will come and go. It is happening over and over again. With 50-over cricket becoming a run feast as the days are going by, it is extremely essential to have firepower towards the business end of the innings which can help you score at least 90-100 runs in last 10 overs.

In today's times, a lot of matches in ODI cricket are lost because of losing the plot after 40th over. Dhoni these days, requires time to get his eye in. Also, there have been many instances where he has been unable to kick on after getting a start. All these things clearly give a hint that this might be the perfect time for MSD to bid adieu to the international cricket.