'Champions don't finish very quickly' - Sourav Ganguly on MS Dhoni’s future

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly took over the 39th president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday. His appointment was formalized at the board’s annual general meeting at its headquarters in Mumbai. The 47-year-old Ganguly then addressed the press conference and he was asked a question about the future of wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni, another legendary former captain who has not played an international game since the ICC World Cup this year.

While there has been a call seeking Dhoni’s retirement, the Ranchi cricketer has kept everybody guessing over his future. He has skipped two series against the West Indies and South Africa and will also miss the upcoming one against Bangladesh at home next month. It is being asked whether the 38-year-old will make a comeback anytime soon, especially since Rishabh Pant, who has often been seen as his successor, has failed to impress.

‘Haven’t had any word with him’ – Sourav Ganguly

The BCCI president backed Dhoni saying the country is proud to have a cricketer like the latter and highlighted his achievements. Dhoni has won a number of big tournaments and series as the India captain, including World Cups in the 20-over and 50-over formats.

Ganguly said about his successor that champion players don’t finish quickly and that he will be meeting Dhoni soon to sort out his future. “No, I haven’t had a word with him yet. We will meet soon and have a word with one of the greats of Indian cricket,” he said at the press conference.

“It depends on him, I have always said even when I was left out the world said that he will never make it. I believed in myself and came back and played for four years. Champions don’t finish very quickly. I don’t know what’s in his mind. We will deal with it,” Ganguly added.

“He is one of the greats of the game, India is proud to have MS Dhoni. When you sit down and take note of what he has done for Indian cricket, you say wow. Till I am around everyone will be respected,” he added.

It may be mentioned here that when Dhoni was captaining India in what was Ganguly’s final Test against Australia in 2008, he had given his predecessor an opportunity to lead the side, a gesture that was appreciated all over.

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