Will be surprised to see Dhoni leading in 2019: Sourav Ganguly

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly said in a recent interview that he will be surprised if he sees MS Dhoni leading the Indian team in 2019 World Cup.

Ganguly said he does not doubt the ability of the Indian skipper but is unsure about his captaincy three years down the lane. He said he has all the respect for Dhoni and believes he is one of the best captains but definitely does not expect him to lead India in the next World Cup. “Dhoni has been fantastic in the way he has gone about his job as captain, but does he have the ability in next four years to see India into the world cup in 2019,” he quoted.

He further cited that Dhoni has been leading India for 9 years now and so do the selectors still see him as the captain 3 years from now. “Dhoni has been captain for nine years, which is a long period. Does he have it in him to go for another four years? He has already given up Test cricket and now plays only ODIs and T20s,” the former Indian skipper said.

He said the selectors have to figure out whether this is possible. If it is, Ganguly said it would be very surprising for him. “So the selectors need to find an answer to whether they see Dhoni leading India in 2019? If the answer is no, then find a new captain. If the answer is yes, which I will find very very surprising, Dhoni continues,” he added.

He, however, clarified that he is not hinting that Dhoni should retire since the Indian team needs him in the limited overs. “I am not saying he needs to quit cricket, I feel he should continue to play in the shorter formats of the game. India still need him in limited-overs cricket,” Sourav Ganguly said.

Virat Kohli was handed the Test captaincy last year and in praise of Kohli, Ganguly said that the middle-order batsman brings energy to the field. “Virat Kohli is getting better every time. He is probably the best in the world in terms of consistency. His mental energy, tenacity is unreal. His attitude on the field is superb. His record as Test captain has been good,” he said on Kohli.

“Decision on appointing Kohli as captain should go in terms of where MS goes from here. There’s no disregard to him, he’s been one of the greatest captains of the country,” he concluded at last.

MS Dhoni has come under the scrutiny after India failed to lift the World T20 at home and made a semifinal exit. His team in the IPL, Rising Pune Supergiants, isn’t doing great either and has suffered more defeats than wins.

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