Published: Feb 19, 2016, 11:44 AM (IST)
Edited: Feb 19, 2016, 11:44 AM (IST)
MS Dhoni has reached that phase of his life where even a couple of poor games for him draw elaborate stories in the media which question his spot in the team. India‘s team director Ravi Shastri is aware of the same and has come out in wholehearted defence of the India limited-overs captain. Shastri has assured that Dhoni will hang boots the day he feels he has nothing more to offer to the game citing his sudden retirement in the Test format. Shastri also spoke about the pressures of Dhoni’s job and hailed the dynamic batsman for gracing the No. 6 position over a prolonged period. ALSO READ: MS Dhoni to look upto coach and senior players to discuss cricket in IPL 2016
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Shastri said of a question on Dhoni’s retirement, “Never fool around with champions. When someone has done it so well for so long, they have a right to decide. You saw how he left Test cricket, when no one expected. So what makes you think he will hang on for the sake of it? If he believes he is good, he will stay, if he believes his time is up, he will go, that much I can assure you of MS Dhoni.”
Shastri elaborated on the stresses that Dhoni faces on the No. 6 spot and that he is allowed a margin to fail a few times there. “People forget it is (No 6) one of the toughest positions to bat. India should feel lucky they have had someone doing that job for so many years and like a champion. That’s why when he gets the flak, I get really annoyed because he deserves respect for what he has contributed to Indian cricket. Don’t mess around with legends and champions,” Shastri said.
