Dhoni to be or not to be test captain

New Delhi:

His devastating batting, his hairstyle, and now even his love life. India loves Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and whatever he does, makes news.

India's Captain Cool has an almost 100% record in twenty-20s, in one-dayers.

While Mahendra Singh Dhoni was the first choice for T20 leadership, one-day captaincy came to him by default, Dravid stepping down all of a sudden saw him being elevated very quickly.

Dhoni came up with a 4-2 result versus Australia. Some see it as a great comeback versus the best side in the world, while others call it barely keeping above the surface.

But the selectors are not convinced he is the man to lead India in Tests. The reason is clear, early trends suggest that his personal form has taken a bit of a beating.

In his six innings as captain of India, Dhoni's average has gone down to 35, as compared to a healthier 44, when he had still not donned the captain's cap.

An established match winner, Dhoni's decline is not something Indian cricket can afford.

What goes in Dhoni's favour is his infectious passion and commitment to the game. He wanted each member in his team to be willing to stand in front of a truck if he thought that was what was needed for the team.

Dhoni's popularity has also sky rocketed. Even his mundane daily activities like having a haircut or visiting a temple are closely monitored.

The crowds love him, the media loves him, but that is hardly reason enough to make him test captain.

The selectors have to choose between Sachin and Dhoni, Sachin's experience puts him ahead especially in the absence of a coach.

Ravi Shastri openly backing the master is obviously the first sign of which way the selectors are inclined to go.

The waiting game would finally end on the November 8.