4 reasons why MS Dhoni should retire from international cricket

#3 India need to build for the future

Dhoni with Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly

Even if he doesn’t retire, there is really not too much room to accommodate Dhoni in the current Indian set-up, with all due respect to his legendary achievements. Life has now come a full circle for Dhoni, and he is in the same position that two other former India captains, Ganguly and Rahul Dravid were when they were dropped from the CB ODI tri-series in Australia. Dhoni led India to victory over the Aussies, with a very young side who were high on adrenaline. Time has now come for Dhoni to take a leaf out of his own book, and clear the path for the future aspirants.

India’s next big assignment in international cricket is the World T20 to be played in Australia from October next year and, at 39, Dhoni is unlikely to be an automatic choice, even if he is available. Also, India must start preparing for the 2023 World Cup as well in right earnest, and begin grooming either Pant or Sanju Samson for the wicket-keeper batsman’s position.

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#2 Dhoni’s pick and choose policy

Javagal Srinath of India

As mentioned earlier, Dhoni has been unavailable for selection ever since India’s World Cup exit. He skipped the tour of West Indies, the home series against South Africa and, in all probability, won’t be part of the Bangladesh series.

The selectors haven’t hinted as yet as to whether they are looking beyond Dhoni or not. However, if they are okay with Dhoni’s pick and choose policy, it sets a very wrong precedent and a bad example, even if one considers his great service to the nation. If the former India captain does make a comeback, there could be a situation where a youngster may have to sit out despite performing well. Even if he is not, he may lose out on a few more chances to prove his case if the veteran wicket-keeper's availability is considered.

It is no secret that in the early to mid-90s, Javagal Srinath lost out on a couple of crucial years of his international career since Kapil Dev elongated his career to chase the world record for most Test wickets. And, while the genial former pace bowler has never said anything about it, there have been murmurs over the years that not everyone in the Indian camp was happy with the situation arising due to Dev playing on for personal gains.

A few critics and former players have stated that Dhoni must be allowed to decide how he wants to move ahead. Now, the former captain hasn't played for the few months and, in his absence, Pant has been trying to settle in. Even if the latter has not made an impact, it would still be better for India to move ahead instead of going back to Dhoni, which could affect the balance of the team, as they prepare for the World T20.

Even Dhoni is human, and it is not possible for him to get all his decisions right. The selectors must thus layout a clear cut policy and let the team and fans know whether Dhoni is in or out.