Is it time to say 'I Quit' for MS Dhoni? Analyzing odds

Dhoni as a finisher has tremendously failed this time as he had a below-average World Cup

After a heart-wrenching ICC Cricket World Cup, the Men in Blue returned home on Sunday and some new discussions grappled the whole nation. Was this MS Dhoni's last outing in national colors? What are the future plans of Indian wicketkeeper? Well, to be honest, the questions that are spread like a virus in the country are not at all true. Cricket fans see Dhoni as a finisher and he has tremendously failed this time as he had a below-average performance in World Cup.

Dhoni's situation is no one to blame for as age plays an important role in a game like a cricket. India's wicketkeeper who is considered as the fastest in the world, turned 38 in July tired every bit to fulfill the fan's wish to give the semi-finals a Dhoni-style finish but failed and his tears were visible as he walked back to the pavilion after getting a direct hit by Martin Guptill.

Will Dhoni be picked for West Indies tests?

The team India is set to play five tests with West Indies in August followed by three against South Africa and two against Bangladesh at home. The calculation that goes here is that the team will be playing 12 T20s against South Africa, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and West Indies at home and will go on a tour to New Zealand. Therefore, there is a long power-packed schedule that the Men in Blue will be put under.

The BCCI will be soon announcing the team for the West Indies series and we do not know whether MS Dhoni will be picked. If the selectors do not pick him, it will surely wreck the image of one of India's finest captains and wicketkeeper-batsman. There are few rumors that BCCI is looking to plan a Tri-series by the end of this year and if they manage to plan it then it will surely be the official farewell for Dhoni if he is not quitting now. But there are speculations that Dhoni will be 'rested' during West Indies tour if does not announce retirement.

Even after India lost to New Zealand in World Cup semi-finals, the journalists asked Virat Kohli during the pre-match press conference about Dhoni's retirement plan, but the skipper replied of having no such information from MS.

Youngsters to be groomed

BCCI selectors always think of a long term plan and they have always believed in giving chance to the young blood of the country. And considering Dhoni's age-factor everyone must be of the opinion that he should bid adieu to the game. But then the question arises, who would replace this man? Well in place of Dhoni, Rishabh Pant fits perfectly as he has done wicketkeeping for the team many times.

Thus, he is the apt choice as he is considered as the substitute for Dhoni. All he needs is a bit of grooming and training that would suffice the Indian cricket team. India's former captain gave the fans the dream of winning the World Cup in 2007 (T20) and 2011 (ODI) but has been facing severe criticism over his finishing skills especially after this World Cup.

If we look back in history, then Dhoni's first-ever ODI match also saw him getting caught on a run-out which was against Bangladesh on December 23, 2004. Though the picture is still unclear if MS Dhoni will hang his boots from international cricket circuit as these are nothing but just speculation, but everyone knows that it's time for him now.

Honestly, there is no replacement when it comes to forever captain cool. But we all knew that the cricket fans would have to face the day when their favorite Mahi will say goodbye to cricket.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are the personal views of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of Devdiscourse and Devdiscourse does not claim any responsibility for the same.)