Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who retired from Test cricket in late 2014 against Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground, is clearly missing the longest form of the game. India, who will take on West Indies at Antigua on Thursday and Dhoni, will be keeping a close eye on the proceedings.
“You never lose the cricket bug. Even if you leave the game you try to stay connected to the game. I miss Test cricket because it’s challenging but I made the right decision,” Dhoni said at event in Gurgaon on Wednesday.
Dhoni has limited his international career to just ODIs and T20s. He last led India in the series in Zimbabwe in June and will not to get to play till Virat Kohli’s Test squad returns for a long series at home.
Under Dhoni’s leadership India reached the semi-finals of WT20 before losing out to WI, who went on to become champions. Dhoni would like to play till ICC Champions Trophy in 2017. The event will take place in England.
India’s bowling reserves will give them a healthy edge in the Test series in the West Indies, said Dhoni.
“The good thing about our bowling is that we have a pool of talent and all are fit. The Caribbean wickets may have slowed but you still get help,” said Dhoni, who felt the spinners will get a lot of advantage.
Dhoni said the two practice matches against the West Indies Cricket Board President’s XI at St Lucia will serve the Indian team in good stead.
MS Dhoni is still enjoying the game and would be working hard on his fitness before the upcoming home season. The limited overs side is in transition and it needs a player like MS to pass on his experience and knowledge on how to deliver under pressure and win matches for India.