Sourav Ganguly not sure about MS Dhoni's future as Indian captain for 2019 World Cup
Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly asked selectors to make a clear decision on whom they want to see as the captain at the 2019 World Cup, hinting that Virat Kohli should probably be their choice.
The legendary batsman, speaking to India Today during a sports show, said "Every cricket team in the world plans their future. But my question to the selectors is three-fours years down the line, do they see MS Dhoni as captain of India?"
However, Ganguly said that Indian still need the wicket-keeper batsman in the limited-overs format. "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 in 2019. 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 the limited-overs cricket," he added.
MS Dhoni has been facing criticism lately due to his mediocre performance in the IPL, both as a captain and as a batsman. After he stepped down from Test captaincy in 2014 to focus on the shorter formats, Dhoni has struggled to lead the Indian team to tournament wins, with the last major title being the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy in England.
Also read: IPL 2016: Sourav Ganguly picks the most impressive captain in the tournament
Dhoni has led the national side for nine years now and Ganguly feels the 2011 World Cup winning captain will not stay till 2019.
"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," he said.
The Kolkata-born left-hander also praised Indian big-hitter Virat Kohli for his achievements as a Test skipper and his sensational form in every format. "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 also said that the selectors should contemplate if they want Dhoni to lead India in 2019, and also added that he would be extremely surprised if their response is a "yes".
Kohli, whose average is 52.07 as the Test skipper has also slammed four centuries in 10 matches. He led India to a 3-0 victory against South Africa in 2015, after which India moved to the second spot in the ICC Test rankings.