MS Dhoni’s coach: Before the selectors removed him, it was wise to step down on his own

"Decision apnahai. He took the correct decision at the right time. Before the selectors removed him, it was wise to step down on his own. I am not surprised at all," Chanchal Bhattacharya told TOI.

With India set to play England in a three-match ODI series, a few have questioned the timing of Dhoni's call to retire. However, supporting Dhoni, Chanchal said, "Not at all [the wrong time]. I fully support his decision. Before the bullet hit him, he moved away from its path.”

Before the bullet hit him, he moved away from its path.

Chanchal Bhattacharya

Having captained India in 331 games across all formats, Dhoni holds the record for the most number of matches as the captain of an international side. He is also the only captain who has won all the three major ICC Trophies – the ODI World Cup, the World Twenty20, and the Champions Trophy.

When asked if Dhoni has lost some of the hunger for the game after such a long spell at the top, Chanchal replied, "When he was in Ranchi during the off-season, he regularly trained at JSCA and didn't take a break for a single day. That's his dedication towards the game even now."

Dhoni’s mentor also sees Dhoni featuring for a few more years in the ODI set-up if he is able to maintain his fitness. He said,"Of course [he can feature solely as a batsman]. Provided he maintains the same fitness level and doesn't get injured.”