Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar commented that this is the right time for MS Dhoni to retire from the game on his own terms without being pushed out. MS Dhoni has not played a single game since the World Cup, instead made himself unavailable from the game. He spent time with the Indian Army and missed the tour of West Indies, and was also not named for the home series against South Africa.

“Nobody knows know what is in MSD’s mind. Only he can clarify what he thinks his future with Indian cricket is. But I think with him being 38 now, India should be looking ahead. Because by the time the next T20 World Cup comes around he will be 39 years old,” Sunil Gavaskar told India Today.

However, Gavaskar also said that Dhoni’s presence on the field helps team in every way – be it scoring or fielding or stumping.

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“His value to the side is always going to be fantastic. Not just the runs he will score or the stumpings he will effect. But his overall presence on the field will be calming for the captain because the captain gets the benefit of his views. So that is a huge plus. But I do believe the time has come. Everybody has a shelf life and I do believe with the greatest of respect to Dhoni and I am a fan as millions of others; I just believe he should be going without being pushed out. He should be going on his own terms,” he said.

Dhoni’s absence has put the limelight on the youngster Rishabh Pant, who has faced a lot of criticism from everyone over his shot selection as well as poor form. Gavaskar, although, came out in support of him.

“Pant is a very good prospect. Look, the second year is always tough whether it is batsman or bowler and that’s what he is finding out. People have a better idea about your strengths and weaknesses and therefore the bowlers will bowl accordingly. So I think he is facing second season blues. He has to keep his chin up,” Gavaskar concluded.