Keshav Ranjan Banerjee, M.S. Dhoni’s childhood coach who weaned him away from football to take up cricket during his school days in hometown Ranchi, believes that criticism and speculation around his long sabbatical may have played a role in his decision to call it quits.
"Of late, there has been a lot of criticism about him in the media about how he could return to international cricket as he's not played a single match since the 2019 World Cup semi-final in July,” Banerjee said referring to last year’s match against New Zealand.
"I don't know but it may have played a role in this decision. Only he (Dhoni) can throw some light into it," Banerjee told PTI from Ranchi.
Thirtynine-year-old Dhoni bid adieu to international cricket on Saturday, via cryptic Instagarm post accompanied by video and song, surprising all and bringing the curtains down on a glorious career.
Ever since he went on a sabbatical after that semi-final match, speculation raged over his future but he stoically avoided a response for over a year.
Dhoni's coach in his school days Keshav Chandra Banerjee Manob Chowdhury
Banerjee, who first introduced “footballer” Dhoni to cricket during his school days at the Jawahar Vidya Mandir at MECON, maintained that his "favourite student" was still fit to play for India for another year.
"Yes, I had said he could have played for one more year easily including the next T20 World Cup. And I still maintain that.
"Looking at his fitness level, he could have easily played. It's not just my opinion but many others think the same way," an emotional Banerjee said.
"There is an end to everything. Yes I'm heartbroken but, at the same time, you have to take control of your emotions."
The two-time former World Cup-winning captain will go down as one of the finest to have played the game for India, turning up for the country in a whopping 350 ODIs, 90 Tests and 98 T20 Internationals.
Banerjee said Team India should retire Dhoni's No 7 jersey.
"I'm sad for just one thing that we won't be able to see the No.7 jersey anymore. Everyone has to retire at one point of time. But it's a sad moment. I don't think Team India should give this jersey to anyone. He is a legend and No.7 will always be for Dhoni."
Dhoni will, however, compete in this year's IPL, which gets underway in the UAE from September 19 after being moved out of India due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dhoni's announcement came a day after he joined his IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings for a camp ahead of its departure for UAE.
Asked whether the COVID-19 pandemic impacted his decision, Banerjee said it's all hypothetical.
"He's not the only sportsperson to be affected by the pandemic. All players are affected. It's a hypothetical situation. T20 World Cup is postponed for now. He has made up his mind. It's his decision. Like always this too was a surprise for all of us."
When asked how eager would Dhoni be to fire in the IPL, Banerjee said: "Only we will see how he will do. Every match is like an examination for a cricketer and everyone will see how he does for CSK this time."
