Will be surprised if Dhoni continues till 2019: Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly (File Photo: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)

New Delhi – Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly does not think that current limited overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni will last till 2019 and feels that it is high time Indian selectors appoint a new captain to lead the side in the next ICC World Cup.

Ganguly, who heads the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), further said that Test skipper Virat Kohli is the best man to replace the Ranchi stumper, under whom India won the ICC World T20 in 2007 and the 50-over World Cup in 2011.

“Every cricket team in the world plans their future. But my question to the selectors is three-four years down the line, do they see M.S. Dhoni as captain of India?,” Ganguly was quoted as saying by ‘India Today’ channel.

“Dhoni has been captain for nine years, which is a long period. Does he have it in him to go for another four years? He has already given up Test cricket and now plays only ODIs and T20s. So the selectors need to find an answer to whether they see Dhoni leading India in 2019? If the answer is no, then find a new captain. If the answer is yes, which I will find very very surprising, Dhoni continues,” he added.

Hailing the 27-year-old’s on-field attitude, Ganguly feels that Kohli is the best in the world in terms of consistency. Kohli has already led India in 17 matches, scoring four centuries.

“Virat Kohli is getting better every time. He is probably the best in the world in terms of consistency. His mental energy, tenacity is unreal. His attitude on the field is superb. His record as Test captain has been good,” the 43-year-old said.

“Decision on appointing Kohli as captain should go in terms of where MS goes from here? There’s no disregard to him, he’s been one of the greatest captains of the country,” Ganguly added.