MS Dhoni a Role Model, Should Remain in the Team, Says Former Indian Wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani

Kolkata, August 27: Legendary  has backed M.S. Dhoni's position in the Indian team, saying that the 38-year-old remains a "big role model for young Indian cricketers." Dhoni's floundering returns with the bat, coupled with the rise of Rishabh Pant, has led to many questioning the 2011 World Cup winning former captain's presence in the team. MS Dhoni Will Not be There in Team India for Long and Indian Cricket Should Be Prepared for That, Says Sourav Ganguly.

"Leave him alone. There will be a time when he will retire, but we must stop talking about his retirement now," Kirmani told reporters on the sidelines of the launch of six outlets of Hearting Solutions here. "The way he has captained the Indian team, he's the best captain ever. He has taken the Indian team to the highest level in Test cricket, in ODI, in T20s..."

"Dhoni should stay as he's a big role model for the young Indian cricketers. He must stay. He already has stepped aside from Tests. It's his decision. We should not interfere. Has anyone else earned such a fame like Dhoni?"

Kirmani said that questions such as the one swirling around Dhoni always comes around whenever a wicket-keeper reaches the twilight of his career. "When Farokh Engineer was in the fag end of his career, everyone was saying who's next and then Syed Kirmani came, then came Kiran More and Dhoni," said Kirmani. Virat Kohli Equals MS Dhoni With Most Wins As India’s Test Captain After India Defeated West Indies in the First Test in Antigua.

"Some one will definitely take his place. We have three-four talented wicket keepers in the reckoning. Wicketkeeping is not an easy aspect in cricket. "It's the most difficult position on the field and it's a very key aspect of the game. Not everyone can do wicket-keeping by just wearing a pair of gloves."

Kirmani also expressed sympathy for the situation of Wriddhiman Saha. Saha was India's first choice Test wicket-keeper after Dhoni retired from the format in 2014. But a prolonged time on the sidelines due to injury allowed Pant to take a foothold on the position and he has since lost his place altogether.

"Saha unfortunately had some injury problems. He has to be given equal opportunity. What's the point to be in the side, if you do not give chance," Kirmani said. MS Dhoni Could Join BJP After Retiring From Cricket.

"We have to judge on pure performance. Saha came to Indian side following his consistency at domestic level. But when you're out of picture, somebody else takes over your place, so the likes of Karthik, Pant and came. Now we have to see who's is more consistent on the field -- be it in batting, wicket keeping or allround ability," he added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 27, 2019 06:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).