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Did Virat Kohli ask MS Dhoni to put retirement plans on hold?

Sources close to India captain reveal veteran stumper will be handy in guiding Pant

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Former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni may have decided to put his retirement plans on hold on the advice of skipper Virat Kohli, according to sources close to the Team India skipper.

It has emerged that Dhoni had made up his mind during the World Cup to call it quits after the quadrennial event. He told some of his teammates in England about his future, while a few of his Chennai Super Kings (CSK) teammates were also aware of his retirement plans.

Chief selector MSK Prasad had also had a discussion with Dhoni about his future plans before Sunday's selection meeting for the tour of West Indies.

Sources have told DNA that Prasad had bluntly told the former skipper that young wicketkeeper-batsman from Delhi, Rishabh Pant, is the selectors' first choice for the immediate future tours.

Prasad was hinting at the scenario leading to T20 World Cup in Australia next year. However, no pressure was put on Dhoni to decide about his future during the course of discussion.

"It was only after Virat (Kohli) advised Dhoni not to quit immediately that the latter changed his mind," said a source close to Kohli.

"Virat feels that Dhoni has no fitness issues and can continue till the T20 World Cup next year, if required by the team. The logic is that while grooming Pant, the Indian think-tank does not want any other wicketkeeper in the team. And, if Pant suffers any injury or loss of form during this time, then Dhoni can easily come in without any issues," added the source.

It is important to note here that India played with three wicketkeepers in the recent World Cup. But now the selectors have made up their mind to shut the doors on veteran Dinesh Karthik. This only leaves 24-year-old Sanju Samson and 21-year-old Ishan Kishan in the race along with veteran Test keeper Wriddhiman Saha.

"All these names can't replace the experience of Dhoni when it comes to playing in a big tournament. Dhoni's guidance has always been welcomed by Virat and that's why he wants him to be around for some more time till the team is settled," the source said.

With Dhoni set to continue to represent CSK in the next IPL season, his match fitness will not be an issue for the team management.

"The T20 World Cup (to be held in Australia from October 18 to November 15, 2020) will only be about four months away from next IPL season. If the team management feels that his services are required, then why not have him in the mix till then?" the source said.

MSD's Grade 'A' contract in danger

By skipping international cricket for two months, Dhoni's annual Grade 'A' BCCI contract might also be in danger.

According to a top BCCI official, this may not be the case immediately as Dhoni wanted to rest because of his finger injury during the World Cup.

"The contract may be in danger if he makes himself unavailable despite being fit. If he is continued to be ignored by selectors during the remainder of his contract, which will expire in March 2020, then certainly his Grade A category could be in danger," said the official. "The final decision in such contractual matters is taken by BCCI (COA in this case) in consultation with the team management and selectors."

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