BCCI tried to change MS Dhoni’s mind

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Sanjay Patel tried to convince Mahedra Singh Dhoni to continue as skipper for the final Test at Sydney starting January 6, but the Indian cricketer had made up his mind and was firm in his decision.

On Tuesday, Dhoni shocked the cricket world when he decided to retire from Test cricket with immediate effect, moments after the conclusion of the third Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The Test ended in a draw, with Dhoni batting till the end, helping India secure a draw.

As reported by NDTV, Patel said, “When MS conveyed his decision to me, I requested him, ‘why don’t you continue for the final Test and then call it a day.’ But he said ‘it will not make any difference. I was going to retire from Test cricket in six months time at the most. Then, why not do it now.’ He felt the team was in good condition and gelling well. We respect his decision,”

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Patel also said that the thought of Test retirement may have been on Dhoni’s mind before leaving for Australia.

“That might have been on his mind, but he never told me anything. Everything happened after the Test match was over,” he said.

After the completion of the third Test on Tuesday, Dhoni called up Patel to convey his decision and then informed his team-mates about his decision to quit Test cricket. After he spoke to his team-mates, Dhoni asked BCCI to make the formal announcement.

Patel rubbished the claims that Dhoni retired as he thought he was being a liability in the side.

““It’s nonsense. You think he would have been in the team if he was a liability?”

The BCCI press release stated that Dhoni’s reason for quitting Test is due to the strain of playing all formats of cricket.

“Dhoni wanted to be fit for all the formats (Tests, ODIs and T20s). He wanted to focus 100 per cent on the other two formats. Test cricket is not just five days. We have to also take into account the previous two days of vigorous training,” said Patel

Patel hailed Dhoni as a ‘lion’, as he went on to add, “He is a man of integrity. He did not want any farewell (Test) or a 50,000-crowd reception. He said he is only retiring from one format. Only a lion can take such a decision.”