MS Dhoni's decision to quit captaincy a hint of retirement before 2019 World Cup, says Rahul Dravid

Although, Dravid hoped that Dhoni continues to play till the next World Cup.

New Delhi: MS Dhoni's decision to step down as the captain of India's ODI and T20 captain might have left the entire cricketing world shaken, but Rahul Dravid wasn't much surprised with the former's big call.

“Dhoni’s decision was probably not that much of a surprise, in the sense that he probably knew that the time was sooner rather than later,” Dravid said. “There was talk of him continuing till the Champions Trophy with only one one-day series before that.

Dravid analyzed the situation and said Dhoni probably doesn't see himself continuing until the 2019 World Cup, which is why he decided to step down and pave way for Virat Kohli to establish himself.

“But I think, from his perspective, if he didn’t see himself continuing till the next World Cup, he got the timing really right because if he doesn’t see himself as a long-term prospect as captain then I think it is a good time to let Virat Kohli take over and have enough time to be able to build a one-day team to his liking for the next World Cup,” Dravid was quoted in a report by PTI.

Dravid, who presently coaches the India A and India U-19 teams, also lauded Dhoni's experience and ability, terming it as invaluable to the team.

“There is no doubt that someone of MS Dhoni’s experience and ability, when playing well, is invaluable to the side.

That’s the kind of experience and knowledge and ability, under pressure especially. It is not easy to find and not easy to get,” Dravid said.

“The question obviously remains that you need to earn your place in the team and you need to do it with performances. So at his best and performing really well, a guy like MS Dhoni is invaluable to India’s one-day team, especially in the big tournaments coming up.”

However by Dravid’s own assertion, Dhoni’s form leading up to key tourneys will also be an issue.

“But I think that will also be decided by his own performances and his own ability. I think now he will really be judged on how he performs and can he hold his place in the side purely in terms of his wicket-keeping and batting. And that’ll be up to him.”

“And I guess if you are Kohli, you will actually be hoping that MS Dhoni does really well and is able to hold on to his place. Because you would like that kind of experience performing well in the team. Just that knowledge would be priceless for Kohli to have.”

Dravid also didn't shy away from calling Mahi as the most successful captain India has ever had.

“History will remember him as India’s most successful captain. And someone who really, in his time as an Indian captain, took the team and the game forward in this country.”

(With PTI inputs)