Xtra Time Web Desk: India cricketer Suresh Raina brushed aside Dhoni’s retirement talks by stating that the decision should be left to him. There has been lot of speculation going around about Dhoni, ever since he has extended his unavailability for the senior team.
“Only Dhoni will decide when he leaves the game,” Raina told Hindu when asked about his opinion on the matter.
The left-hander, regarded as one of the closest friends of Dhoni both on and off the field went further in stating, “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 next year.”
Raina also expressed his surprise at Dhoni being sent at No 7 in the World Cup semifinal against New Zealand.
According to Raina, “Had he come earlier, he could have guided Pant and then we still had Pandya and Jadeja. Even then he kept India in the fight till the very end and we would have won but for the direct hit from Guptill.”
Raina has started his rehabilitation after a successful surgery on his knee. Talking about his comeback, the Chennai Super Kings cricketer said, “I can be the No. 4 for India. I have batted in that slot before and delivered. I am looking forward to an opportunity with two T20 World Cups coming up.”
Raina last played against England in 2018, has scored 5,615 runs in ODI’s and 1,605 runs in T20I’s.