Will The ICC Champions Trophy Be The Last Time We See MS Dhoni Play In Indian Colours?

MS Dhoni gave up the captaincy of the limited overs format in January. However, the man is still playing for India.

Dhoni turns 36 this year and by the time the World Cup comes around, he will be almost 38. So the question remains, will he play that long?

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There is speculation that the ICC Champions Trophy in June could be his last.

World Cup too far away

The tournament is 2 years away and the time factor may come into play. Dhoni is not getting any younger and the selectors may want to look at a core team from this year onwards. So it will be interesting to see if he fits into their scheme of things in the long run.

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Dhoni himself not thinking that far ahead

He is not clear cut about playing in 2019, which adds fuel to the fire that the Champions Trophy could be his swansong. He knows that 2 years is a long time and fitness, form and favour with selectors will come into play when they plan the team for 2019. The Champions Trophy is like a dress rehearsal and Dhoni's performance will be closely monitored without a doubt.

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He may announce his retirement abruptly

Remember his Test farewell? It came right at the end of a game and without any prior warning. So who knows? He might just take a call while the Champions Trophy is on. As far Dhoni is concerned - expect the unexpected.

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Ashish Nehra's recent comments on Dhoni's longevity

The left-arm pacer hinted that Dhoni's role was more of a mentor now. This indicates that even within the current time, there is a school of thought that it is possible for him to bid the game goodbye at any point of time.

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So will he or won't he?

All this is pure conjecture. Dhoni after all has given no clear indication of his future plans. As of now the man is taking one game at a time. We are certainly waiting for the Champions Trophy. If he stays till the World Cup, then nothing like it, he has a chance to go out in a blaze of glory.

However, if the Champions Trophy is his swansong, then fans will be eager in anticipation as they hope to catch him in action one last time.

A last helicopter shot would not be a bad way to go!

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