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Kapil, Sourav lash out at Dhoni for his retirement talk
India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's statement hinting at possible retirement from Test cricket by 2013 has invited sharp comments from Kapil Dev and Sourav Ganguly, who say he shouldn't have spoken on the issue while on such an important tour.
India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's statement hinting at possible retirement from Test cricket by 2013 has invited sharp comments from Kapil Dev and Sourav Ganguly, who say he shouldn't have spoken on the issue while on such an important tour.
Speaking on a news channel, Kapil said, "The timing of his statement is completely wrong. I am shocked. The squad can fall apart midway through the tour with players thinking about their next skipper rather than focussing on the game.
"The team should be brought together in such trying circumstances. But, Dhoni's comment has created a huge doubt, not only in the team dressing room but also amongst the fans back home. Dhoni is only 30 right now. I am amazed that he is already thinking of quitting Test cricket.
Ganguly termed Dhoni's statement on such a crucial tour a "joke", adding that, "He is obviously under pressure. I wish he is joking and trying to divert the attention of the media after getting tired of answering routine questions about the team's poor showing. And if he is really serious, then it is not sensible of him at all to make such a comment.
"I definitely feel Dhoni does not enjoy Test cricket. His performance in Test and ODI cricket is poles apart, and by making such a statement now, he has also perhaps explained his complete disinterest in the longer format of the game," Ganguly said.
"2013 is long way ahead. Who knows whether Dhoni will actually be a part of India's Test XI then or not? But, if he really wants to make a name for himself , scoring loads of runs in Test is the right way. I don't understand how can one continue to play with the sole goal of participating in the World Cup?"
