Michael Clarke defends Mahendra Singh Dhoni, says he's earned right to continue as captain

New Delhi: Former Australian captain Michael Clarke on Sunday came out in support of under-fire Indian ODI skipper MS Dhoni ahead of the T20I series.

Speaking to the Times of India, the World Cup winner heaped praise on Mahi for his part in helping build a successful Indian side. Pup also felt that the wicketkeeper-batsman had a lot more to offer as a player and captain.

“Dhoni has done a wonderful job for India in all formats. He has a lot to offer to the Indian team. His captaincy has been very good throughout his career and he's played a big part in helping India having sustained success over a long period of time. I'm sure he feels disappointed about not being able to win this series, but I still think MS has a lot to offer as a captain and player,” Clarke told TOI.

Clarke who retired in 2015 after Australia's poor show in the Ashes series, belives Dhoni has earned the right to continue as skipper of the Men in Blue.

“He can continue to captain India if he wants to because he's earned that right. And I think you know when the right time is to go...I think you've missed Shami for sure in this series. Australia has probably scored that 20 or 30 runs extra every time. 99% of the time, MS Dhoni walks out to bat with five overs or 10 overs...he's unbelievable. I don't think we can be too hard on the bowlers. I certainly don't think we can be too hard on Dhoni and the Indian team,” he said.

Dhoni has come under heavy criticism of late for leading India to three successive ODI series defeats.

2016 could be an important year in the career of the 34-year-old, especially with the ICC World T20 being played on home soil.