Indian skipper Dhoni announces retirement from Test cricket

It’s finally happened. The day that Indian cricket had dreaded has finally arrived.

At around 7:30 this morning, an email from the BCCI arrived in our inbox and in a very matter-of-fact manner, informed us that Mahendra Singh Dhoni – India’s most successful skipper – had decided to quit from Test cricket, in order to concentrate on ODIs, T20s and theIndian Premier League.

“Well, I suppose, the demands of Test cricket have taken a big toll on my body. And I have decided that the best way to serve my country is to play the shorter formats. Test cricket has always been a great challenge and I enjoyed the ride while it lasted. I hope the next captain enjoys captaincy as I did,” said Dhoni.

This news hasn’t exactly come out of the blue. There had been talk of Dhoni informing BCCI president N Srinivasan about his decision even when he was in Australia. The BCCI statement is as follows:

Ever since he made his international debut in December 2004, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has strode cricketing arenas the world over, like a colossus. He has broken old records and set new benchmarks. He has been an inspiration to billions, and an ornament to the sport.

But his true achievements for India came while he was captain. He led India to the T20 crown, got the team to become world number one in Tests and even won the World Cup at home. His calm composure under pressure made him special.

For now, however, with his back injuries acting up, Dhoni has decided to quit Test cricket and concentrate on the shorter formats – namely ODIs and T20s.

The BCCI would like to thank Dhoni for his efforts and wish him continued success in the shorter formats. A decision on the next Test captain will be taken as soon as possible.

The timing of Dhoni’s decision, just before the start of the IPL season means that the BCCI will have enough time to find a replacement. Indeed, they should have seen this coming.

Dhoni has bid goodbye to Tests. AFP

In January, during the tour of Australia, Dhoni had said: “It (captaincy) doesn’t belong to anyone. It’s a position I hold, and it’s an added responsibility. I always like to do well till I am in job but it’s not something I want to stick to. If there is a better replacement, he can come in.”

But now it seems as if Dhoni has decided that putting the ball in the BCCI’s court gets no results. Anil Kumble had quit the position of NCA chairman for the same reason. He would throw up ideas, the BCCI officials would nod their heads and nothing would happen. Nothing indeed.

But BCCI’s officials will now be forced to react and not just react but also contemplate whether the IPL is a monster that they can no longer tame.

A few years back when Chris Gayle announced that he isn’t too bothered about captaincy or Test cricket, everyone dismissed it as a one-off. But with Dhoni also going down the same road, the BCCI and the ICC should be very worried.

For now though, Indian cricket stands poorer. The same can be said for Test cricket too.