Former captain Mohammed Azharuddin comes in support of Dhoni

HYDERABAD: Former India skipper Mohammad Azharuddin Monday said communication between the selectors and Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be vital as he enters the winter of his illustrious career amid speculations on retirement. Earlier, there were speculations that the two-time World Cup-winning captain will announce his retirement from international cricket after India's painful 2019 World Cup semi-final defeat to New Zealand.

However, on the eve of the Indian team selection for next month's tour of the West Indies, Dhoni announced that he would be unavailable for the tour while ruling out immediate retirement.

When asked about Dhoni’s retirement Azharuddin said, "A player wants to play, but selectors have to speak, how long he will play, how he will play, what will happen. About big player, the player is also taken into confidence and spoken to. I feel some decision will come. Otherwise, people will keep writing that he should retire, not retire. Because no statement has come from Dhoni." While many experts believe Dhoni is a spent force, Azharuddin felt he can still continue if he has the drive and a body that is 100 percent fit. "My opinion is that if he is fit and playing well, he should play. If he is fit and performance is good, he can play. Sometimes what happens is, interest is lost after playing so much cricket. If his interest is still 100 percent, I feel, he is a good player and he should play," he said.

However, Azhar also added that he would like to see Dhoni playing in his aggressive way, one which has been missing for quite some time. "But, I just want to request him. Whenever he plays, he should play aggressively. Sometimes, reflexes slow down after a certain age. But, Dhoni, it does not appear that the reflexes are slow. If he plays his natural game more, I feel that will be good for India," he added.