'MS Dhoni understands when he should retire': Shikhar Dhawan

The senior opener of the Indian cricket team, Shikhar Dhawan, has stressed that MS Dhoni is at the liberty to choose if he wants to retire from international cricket. Sending a message to all those trying to give their opinion on MSD’s decision, Shikhar Dhawan also said that Dhoni surely knows a thing or two about taking important decisions. He also praised MS Dhoni for his good leadership and for his ability to understand each player’s strengths and weaknesses. He reiterated that MSD knew how to comprehend each player’s potential and optimise each of their strengths. Shikhar Dhawan added that all the current players, including Virat Kohli, in the team have immense respect for the former Captain. 

Shikhar Dhawan’s statement on MSD’s retirement 

Senior opener Shikhar Dhawan said, "Dhoni has been playing for so long, I feel he understands when he should retire. This should be his decision. He has taken very important decisions so far for India in his career and I'm sure he will make the call when the time comes. That's the quality of a big leader. He knows the potential of every player and knows to what extent a player should be backed. He knows how to make a champion out of a player. India's success during his captaincy justifies this. His (Dhoni's) control is his biggest quality. Dhoni Bhai has been quite successful as the captain of the side. We are all very grateful to him and we respect him a lot, and the same goes for Virat." 

Read: MS Dhoni returns to Ranchi, gets huge reception from the fans

READ: Sourav Ganguly has a controversial take on when MS Dhoni should retire

Strong bond between Kohli and Dhoni 

Shikhar Dhawan explained the bond between Virat Kohli and MSD as well. He said, "When Virat was young, he guided him immensely. Even when he became the captain, Dhoni Bhai was always there to help him. This is the quality of a leader. It's good to see that Virat is showing his gratitude to him now.” Dhawan also spoke about Rishabh Pant and backed him. Dhawan added, “Rishabh is very talented and I am sure he will have a long career for India. He is trying hard. There are situations when you don't score, but then you learn from them. It happens with everyone and I'm sure he will learn from it. He (Pant) is a good player and we need to back good players. Even I went through rough patches in my life, and I still do. It is part and parcel of this game.” 

(With PTI Inputs)

READ: Virat Kohli: 'MS Dhoni groomed many youngsters, his experience is imp'

READ: Virat Kohli on MS Dhoni: He is very very valuable for Team India