Updated October 26th, 2019 at 11:19 IST

Ravi Shastri makes a huge statement on MS Dhoni's retirement

India's head coach Ravi Shastri has lashed out at those questioning MS Dhoni's future, asking what was the hurry for people to see the former skipper retire

Reported by: Koushik Narayanan
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India's head coach Ravi Shastri has lashed out at those questioning MS Dhoni's future, asking what was the hurry for people to see the former skipper go off the field, according to media reports. Three months after the World Cup, MS Dhoni's future with the national side still looks uncertain with no word from the management. Although MS Dhoni has made himself unavailable from all tours until the end of November, speculations of his retirement continue to do rounds. Ravi Shastri hit out at critics wanting MS Dhoni to hang up his boots and said that MS Dhoni had 'earned' the right to retire whenever he chose to. 

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Ravi Shastri makes huge statement on MS Dhoni's future

Speaking to a media source, Ravi Shastri thundered at the people wanting MS Dhoni to retire and said that 'people who couldn't tie their shoelaces' were talking about MS Dhoni's retirement. Backing the former skipper and World Cup-winning captain, Ravi Shastri reportedly said that everyone including MS Dhoni himself knew that he would be retiring soon and hence making statements against him was disrespectful. Ravi Shastri went on to elaborate that MS Dhoni had played for India for 15 years and hence he knew what to do and when to go. Citing the example of the former skipper's retirement from Tests, Ravi Shastri reportedly said that he had voluntarily handed over the gloves to Wriddhiman Saha as he believed in him and that MS Dhoni was always willing to lend his views to the team, sharing his experience and knowledge. Ravi Shastri also pointed out how MS Dhoni had motivated Shahbaz Nadeem as the spinner made his Test debut in Ranchi recently.  

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Divided opinions on MS Dhoni

His successful captaincy approach, his quick-fire finishing knocks and his ability behind the stumps won India more matches and trophies than any other captain before. However, sport can be cruel at times. On multiple occasions, fans would rather blame an icon for the entire team’s downfall instead of remembering everything he did for the country.  Dhoni's unavailability from the recently announced Indian squad for Bangladesh series gave way to speculations. While some think Dhoni should hang up his boots and pass the keeper’s baton to youngsters Rishabh Pant, there are also some who think MS Dhoni's presence in the team is invaluable.

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Published October 26th, 2019 at 11:01 IST