Reports: Virat Kohli advised MS Dhoni to not retire immediately after the World Cup

MS Dhoni and his retirement has been the topic of discussion since India’s World Cup campaign has ended. Many feel that the cricketer should’ve called it quits from the game after the mega event while his childhood coach has cleared that he might play until the T20 World Cup next year. On the contrary, the man himself, Dhoni, has stayed mum on the matter and has taken a break to serve the Army regiment. He also made himself unavailable for the West Indies tour when reports surfaced that he wasn’t the first-choice wicketkeeper anymore.

MSK Prasad was also asked about the veteran’s retirement and the chief selector made it clear that a legendary cricketer like MS Dhoni when to hang his boots. Meanwhile, like it has been happening for the last few days, it has been reported that the skipper Virat Kohli requested MS Dhoni to not retire immediately after the World Cup.

Previously, it has been learnt that Rishabh Pant needs to be groomed properly and the 38-year-old will play a crucial role in the same. With the T20 World Cup set to be played next year, the team management also reportedly wants Dhoni to be around to help Pant.

“It was only after Virat (Kohli) advised Dhoni not to quit immediately that the latter changed his mind,” the source was quoted as saying by DNA.

Dhoni has no fitness issues

When it comes to fitness, very few can beat MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli feels that the wicketkeeper-batsman can continue until the T20 World Cup in 2020 for the sake of the team. Also, there is word going around that MS Dhoni will not be the first-choice wicketkeeper for the event but will be the part of the squad. In case, Pant gets injured or doesn’t perform to the expectation, then the experienced cricketer might chip in.

“Virat feels that Dhoni has no fitness issues and can continue till the T20 World Cup next year, if required by the team. The logic is that while grooming Pant, the Indian think-tank does not want any other wicketkeeper in the team. And, if Pant suffers any injury or loss of form during this time, then Dhoni can easily come in without any issues,” the source further added.