MS Dhoni can continue playing till 2019 World Cup, feel selectors

New Delhi, Nov 9: Selectors want India's limited overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni to continue playing and even lead the side till 2019 World Cup.

MS Dhoni becomes 2nd most successful ODI captain

The Captain Cool had only recenlty expressed his desire to continue playing till the next World Cup, a wish which was backed by many in the cricketing fraternity across India.

As per a TOI report, the national selection committee too has backed Dhoni's decision of continuing till 2019 World Cup.

Sources were quoted as saying, the selectors don't want to change the current hierarchy of the ODI team and would be quite happy if Dhoni continues to play for India till the 2019 World Cup.

"It would make the job of the selectors easy if Dhoni continues to play the way he is playing today. His fitness level is as good as a newcomer's in the team. He seems to be getting better with age and none of the selectors have discussed leaving out Dhoni in the future. He is an essential member of the ODI team and there is no one in sight who can replace him," a source in the selection committee was further quoted.

As per the report, the selectors will first observe how Team India performs under Dhoni in the 2017 Champions Trophy in England, and discuss with Dhoni about his future plans after that.

Selectors feel Dhoni's captaincy skills are still the best and his presence at the helm of the ODI side will be into the best of interest of the team.

"If Dhoni is willing to play for another three years, it would be good for the team. His motivation level is still good and the day he feels he is not able to make a difference, he will certainly not continue to play cricket at the highest level," the source added.

Dhoni is India's most successful captains across all formats and second most successful, overall, in the ODIs.

With 108 ODI wins so far, Dhoni is 2nd most successful captain, first being Australia's two-time world cup winning skipper Ricky Ponting.

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