Calling Mahendra Singh Dhoni one of the best finishers in limited-overs game, cricket legend Kapil Dev today backed the Indian captain to continue leading the team in all three formats and said there should not be any question about his replacement.
The 55-year-old Kapil, who is here as one of the ambassadors for the 15th Laureus World Sports Awards, said Dhoni is the ideal man to lead the team in upcoming Test series and defend the crown when the 2015 ODI World Cup kicks off in Australia and New Zealand.
"If Dhoni is fit enough there should be no doubt because he is one of the finest batsmen we have and coming in at number 6-7 and averaging more than 50, why should we have any doubts. Somebody who has won us the World Cup, the T20 World Cup... Why do we even talk about it and bring doubts in people's mind," Kapil said.
Though the team has posted two convincing wins in the ongoing World T20 in Bangladesh, Dhoni's captaincy was under the scanner not long ago, after series loses in South Africa and New Zealand.
Former Australian skipper Ian Chappell had suggested that Virat Kohli be given the Test captaincy.
Asked about that option, Kapil said Kohli should not be rushed into a skipper's role.
"The only thing is when you have such a senior captain it will only lead to confusion in the team if you make Kohli captain and Dhoni playing under him. It's not fair. He will get his chance why should we push him, when the time comes he will be there. Dhoni is a mature captain so let him do the job, the day he retires then management will see."
When asked about England batsman Kevin Pietersen's sudden retirement from international cricket, Kapil said nobody is above the team.
"He was also given opportunity. He is a talented and strong player, but it is up to the individual to manage himself within the team. You can't be above the team, you have to be a part of the team," Kapil said.
