'I don't see MS Dhoni playing the next World Cup': Gautam Gambhir

Mumbai: Former cricketer Gautam Gambhir has shared his opinions regarding MS Dhoni's future with the Indian cricket team. Gambhir has said that the decision of retirement should be left on Dhoni itself while admitting that he doesn’t see the former skipper playing the next Cricket World Cup in 2023.

"I feel that retirement is a very individual decision. Till the time you want to play you are allowed to play, but you do have to look at the future as well. I do not see Dhoni playing the next World Cup," Gambhir told Indian Express.

Gambhir wants the opportunities to be given to youngsters like Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson to fill the void of Dhoni after his departure from the Indian team.

‘It is not about Dhoni staying on for the next cricket World Cup, it is about winning the next cricket World Cup. You might want to give the opportunity to Rishabh Pant or Sanju Samson, any young cricketer… They should get the opportunity… I think personally if you ask me, I think it’s time for Indian cricket to look beyond Dhoni," said Gambhir.

Suresh Raina had also commented on Dhoni’s retirement. The left-hander brushed aside Dhoni’s retirement talks by stating that the decision should be left only to him.

“Only Dhoni will decide when he leaves the game,” Raina told Hindu when asked about his opinion on the matter.

 “He is still fit, still a terrific wicket-keeper and still the greatest finisher in the game. Dhoni will be an asset for India in the T20 World Cup,” added Raina.