Dhoni still the fittest, no one has to tell him when to retire, says childhood coach of the stumper

As scrutiny of MS Dhoni has increased post his slow 114-ball 54, his childhood coach Chanchal Bhattacharya has defended his pupil saying that he knows when to call it quits. Dhoni recorded the slowest half-century made by an Indian in an ODI in 16 years when he raised a half-century after facing 108 balls on Sunday.

More than the slowness of approach, the inability to close out the game in the dying stages of the game by the former captain has sparked criticizers to snub MS Dhoni. Known to be one of the greatest finishers of all time, Dhoni has failed to finish games for India in the last two years. In between low scores, though, Dhoni has displayed shades of his own-self by playing rollicking knocks. In the 3rd ODI, the Indian stumper played a match-winning innings of 78* which also fetched him the Player of the Match award.

‘MS can play 2019 WC’

Bhattacharya, who have seen Dhoni from a very young age, was of the opinion that Dhoni can play in till the next World Cup which is a little under two years away.

“Dhoni still has it in him to play the 2019 World Cup,” Bhattacharya told IANS over phone on Friday.

Speaking about the slow knock of 54 the other day, Bhattacharya rubbished it off as an off day for Dhoni rather than waning skills in the game.

“Everyday is not a Sunday,” Bhattacharya said when asked about the innings. “It was just an off day for him. Yes, he was not up to the mark in that innings. He missed a few sixes and India did not win. If he had won that match for the country, he would have been the best finisher again,” the coach maintained.

‘He knows when to walk away’

Dhoni stepped down from the captaincy early this year. The 36-year old had already retired from Test cricket in December 2014, in a bid to extend his limited overs career. Bhattacharya said Dhoni knows when to walk away from the game.

“He is still one of the fittest players around and he is someone who will step down when he feels the time is right. No one has to tell him when to retire. Like he relinquished his captaincy and all of a sudden left Test cricket saying ‘Usme abh maza nahi aa raha (I am not enjoying it anymore)’,” said Bhattacharya, who was Dhoni’s batting coach during his formative years.

Dhoni is indeed one of the fittest cricketers going around in the world. His wicket keeping skills are right up there amongst the best. He has a lot of experience and must be left alone to make the biggest decision of his career whenever he wants to.

The World Cup winning captain celebrates his 36th birthday today. He is definitely getting on with the years but age is just a number as they say!