Mahendra Singh Dhoni Rules out Retirement; I'm Still Fit, says Captain Cool
Mahendra Singh Dhoni said he has not yet decided if he would retire before the next World Cup to be played in 2019.
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India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni ruled out retirement from one-day internationals after India bowed out of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 following a semifinal defeat to hosts Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. "I am 33, I'm still running and I am still fit. Next year (at the World T20) will be the right time to decide if I should play World Cup 2019."
Dhoni had stunned the cricketing world with a sudden retirement after India lost the Test series against Australia late last year and many expected the Indian captain to pull off a similar stunt after India's campaign ended at the World Cup.
The India skipper even took a dig at the media for speculating on his retirement. "You guys should carry out a research and then write the complete opposite because that would be the truth. I play for the enjoyment of the game and the day I decide to go, I will pack my bags and happily go away."
Dhoni is the only captain to have won all three ICC ODI tournaments and till today had never lost an ICC semifinal. On Thursday, up against a stiff target, the wicketkeeper batsman once again led from the front and clobbered 65 off 65 balls, albeit in a losing cause.
Australian skipper Michael Clarke, who hugged Dhoni at the post-match presentation ceremony said he was sure his Indian counterpart would play the 2019 World Cup. "You asked if MS was going to be at the next World Cup, I'm sure he will be; he has a lot of cricket in him."