MS Dhoni to retire from Test cricket in 2013?

Almost surprising the media, Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni hinted about his desire to retire from test cricket by 2013. “If I have to see through the 2015 (World Cup), I would have to retire from one of the formats,” Dhoni told media persons present in the press conference at Perth. Dhoni who is 30 years old now had also made similar statements earlier in which he had said that he would take a decision in 2013 about prolonging his cricket career.

MS Dhoni debuted in tests in 2005 against Sri Lanka and has played 66 test matches so far. After Anil Kumble’s retirement, he has been entrusted with the responsibility to captain the Indian test team.

In the past he was quoted in media as saying, “By 2013, I will have to see where I stand as to my body. Whether I will be able to survive till the 2015 World Cup.”

Under immense pressure caused by the two test loss in the ongoing series against Australia, Dhoni defended his captaincy during the press conference. Accused of being a defensive captain, Dhoni said, “More often than not the best decision always comes after the time when the decision is needed. It’s about taking a good decision at the right time. That’s what I try to do and at times I go wrong and at times I don’t go wrong.”

“You have to take it in stride. It looks easier from the outside, it’s easier to comment on decisions. More often than not, you see the result and then comment,” said MS defending his decisions.

When asked about his players’ behaviour on and off the field with an obvious reference to Virat Kohli and Ishant Sharma’s middle finger showing incidents, Indian captain admitted that players must avoid making such gesture in the interest of the team. “We need to get smart about what needs to be done. A few gestures, if we can avoid it it’s in our best interests. You have to be smart as to what people are trying to do and how you are reacting to a particular situation,” Dhoni also informed that he had a chat over the issue with his players. He described Australian fans as ‘aggressive’. “Everybody’s fantastic early in the morning, but once after the tea session, after a couple of barrels of beer it gets a bit difficult. The Aussie fans – they are a bit aggressive and they’re quite vocal about it.”

Virat Kohli was fined half of his match fees for showing middle finger to abusive fans during the second test at Sydney Cricket Ground. Ishant Sharma was also reported to have made similar gesture to a fan after a go-kart session in Perth.