MS Dhoni to continue after ICC Cricket World Cup 2019? Sourav Ganguly believes he might

The year 2019 is considered to be a vital year for MS Dhoni. Virat Kohli's Indian cricket team will be banking on his tactical brilliance as they look to make an impact in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 which will be held in England. In addition to his brilliant keeping and wonderful death-overs batting, Dhoni offers a lot to this Indian team. The third ODI against Australia will be played at Ranchi, the hometown of the former India captain and there is going to be a massive turnout of the fans. This match will not only give India the chance to win their fourth consecutive series at home against Australia but this is a chance for Dhoni to shine in what could potentially be his final international match in his home town. There are reports that Dhoni might retire from international cricket after the end of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 but Sourav Ganguly has a different take. 

“Dhoni can continue after the World Cup. If India wins the Cup and Dhoni performs consistently then why should he retire. Age is never a factor if talent is there,” Ganguly said in an interaction with PTI. 

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Ever since a lean 2018, Dhoni has experienced a resurgence in his batting. He blasted fifties in the three ODIs in Australia, helping India to victory in Adelaide and Melbourne. His knock at the MCG helped India win a bilateral series for the first time in Australia while in the series against New Zealand, Dhoni contributed with a couple of timely knocks in the death overs. In the first game at Hyderabad, Dhoni smashed yet another fifty to help India win by six wickets. 

Ganguly, who was captain of the Indian cricket team when they reached the final of the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup which was held in South Africa, spoke about the team composition and hailed India's current crop of fast bowlers. “The Indian pace attack is fantastic. Whether its Bumrah or Shami, the Indian pacers are performing consistently. The pacers will play an important factor for the team in England,” Ganguly said. 

The former left-handed opener backed yet another left-hander Shikhar Dhawan who has been struggling a bit in ODIs for the last couple of games. However, he totally ruled out Ravindra Jadeja's prospects of featuring in the Indian side for the World Cup. 

“Ravindra Jadeja should not be in the World Cup team. Vijay Shankar bowled beautifully in the Nagpur match. I think Vijay deserves his World Cup spot,” Ganguly said.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ravindra Jadeja will find it difficult to fit in World Cup, according to Sourav Ganguly.
• Shikhar Dhawan is currently undergoing a lean patch.
• MS Dhoni could play his final international match in Ranchi.