A lot has been said on the issue of MS Dhoni’s retirement as it has swiftly become a matter of debate in Indian cricket. Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson feels that the Ranchi stumper is still at the height of his powers and the decision to hang up his boots is entirely up to him.
“He has still got the skill. But it is down to him to decide. He still moves incredibly well, runs hard between the wickets and has beautiful hands. Whatever he does, it will be the right thing because he knows what lies ahead,” Watson told reporters on Monday on the sidelines of an event here.
The Aussie all-rounder, who has also played under Dhoni in Chennai Super Kings (CSK), praised Virat Kohli’s captaincy, saying he has done a great job with the Indian team.
“He (Kohli) has done a great job with the Indian team. He has been playing so well in all formats. Whatever he is doing right now is certainly working and the team is responding to his leadership,” he added.
When asked if India could dominate the cricket world the way Australia did under Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting, he said: “it is going to be hard to replicate..but there is no reason why India can’t do it.”
“There is no doubt that India has got the depth in all facets… batting, bowling and fielding. The depth in Indian cricket is incredibly strong. It has got the luxury of having someone like a Rohit Sharma opening the batting and scoring lots of runs. The depth in Indian cricket is incredible… I am sure this team can win away from home as well,” he added.
Watson said that Australia has become a strong side after the return of Steve Smith and David Warner from ball-tampering bans.
“The Australian team has had its issues in the last year or so. Now that Steve Smith and David Warner have come back and settled well, it has got a very strong team. There is a really good No 3 in Marnus Labuschagne, who did a great job during the Ashes. The fast bowlers are very good and there is depth in the department and Nathan Lyon is performing too. We have got strong depth,” Watson opined.