Mahendra Singh Dhoni Brushes Off Retirement Speculations in Style After World T20 Semi-Final Loss to West Indies

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's quest for a second World T20 title were dashed after West Indies defeated India by seven wickets in the semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. (Mahendra Singh Dhoni Should be India Captain Until Next World Cup: Virender Sehwag)

In the post-match press conference, Dhoni was confronted with a question that whether he would retire from international cricket following this loss to the West Indies.

Remarkably, Dhoni smiled and called the Cricket Australia reporter, Sam Ferris, over. He asked the reporter to come sit beside him and also stated that he wanted to have some fun. (Mahendra Singh Dhoni Irked by Retirement Query, Expects Media to Ask 'Better Question')

The reporter went over and Dhoni asked him,"You want me to retire?". The reporter sheepishly replied, "No".

Dhoni proceeded to ask, "I was hoping it would be an Indian media guy. I can't really say whether you have a brother or son that can play for India as a wicketkeeper. Do you think I am unfit?" Ferris embarrassingly said 'no' again. (Mahendra Singh Dhoni Mum on Retirement Plans)

The Indian skipper asked, "Looking at me running (Unfit)?". Ferris replied, "Very fast". Dhoni proceeded to ask, "Do you think I can survive till the 2019 World Cup?" The reporter hesitated before saying, "Should, sure, yes". Dhoni laughingly said, "You have answered the question."

No plans to retire?

This answer from Dhoni in the post-match press conference has potentially laid to rest any speculations regarding Dhoni's retirement.

Before the team's departure to the Asia Cup in February, Dhoni was irked by a question from the media about his retirement plans. Before the team left for Dhaka, Dhoni responded by saying, "If I say something one month or 15 days back, the answer does not change. It's irrespective of where I'm asking. The answer remains the same. It's as simple as what is your name and I will say MS Dhoni. It will remain the same for a considerable period of time unless you give me a new format."

Several former players, including Virender Sehwag, have said Dhoni needs to captain the Indian team until the 2019 World Cup.

"He should continue as captain till the next World Cup. If he does so, he can leave behind a good World Cup team. And if he retires... you can imagine, even now when Dhoni is there, people have to think about who should bat at 5th, 6th and 7th position."

With the end of the World T20, Dhoni will now focus on captaining his new team, Rising Pune Supergiants, in the ninth season of the Indian Premier League that begins on April 9.