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ToggleFormer India international and chief selector Sandeep Patil has insisted under-pressure MS Dhoni is not retiring any time soon.
The tour of England turned out to be a nightmare for Dhoni. The former India skipper had arrived in England full of confidence after his exploits in this year’s Indian Premier League. Dhoni finished the season with 455 runs to his name. In addition, he also scored three fifties while smashing 24 fours and 30 sixes. It was his best season since 2013 when he had scored 461 runs in 18 games.
But the form in the league counted for little as he failed miserably in England. While he managed to score decent runs, it was his ultra-defensive approach that had everyone talking. In the second ODI, he had walked into bat when India needed 183 in 23 overs. But never during his stay, Dhoni tried to go for the shots. In the end, he was out after scoring 37 off 59 balls as India were all out for just 236 while chasing 323.
He also struggled in the third game, taking 66 balls to score 42. India had gone on to lose the game and the series. What made things even worse was that a section of the crowd booed him during the second game at Lord’s.
The bitter turn of events have made many speculate that Dhoni might call it quits earlier than expected. However, Sandeep Patil holds a different opinion.
Writing in the Quint, he said Dhoni is unlikely to retire right now.
“India lost the recent ODI series to England and the media latched onto the defeat to once again go after MS Dhoni,” he wrote.
“I have known him very closely for the last 14 years. I am privileged to have seen him when he was just starting his career. I have worked with him as an India A coach and as a chief selector. He happens to be a very dear friend of mine now.
“I can assure all his fans that he is not retiring as of now,” Patil addd,
Sandeep Patil further said Dhoni’s wicketkeeping also plays a big role when the selectors sit down to select the squad.
“Most of the people know Dhoni as either Captain Cool or as a top finisher. However, experts and selectors who have played this game will also give importance to the contributions made by Dhoni as a wicketkeeper. I have made it clear earlier and am making it clear once again that selectors have the right to select or drop a player on his performance and fitness.
Selectors also discuss vacant slots with the captain and the coach and look for suitable options; selectors cannot have strong likes or dislikes. The selectors’ only job is to select a best possible combination after consultation with the captain and the coach,” he wrote.
Unlike his batting, Dhoni had a good outing behind the stumps in England. In the third T20I against England, he set two new world records, becoming the first wicket-keeper to take 50 catches in T20Is and also the first wicket-keeper to take five catches in one innings.