Time up for MS Dhoni, the captain?

With fading midas touch, it's possibly time for Dhoni to hand over captaincy to Kohli.

New Delhi: While MS Dhoni's captaincy has received plenty of criticism from all corners of late, his 30-ball 31 against South Africa in the first ODI has only increased them further.

India needed 11 runs to win off Kagiso Rabada's last over. With Dhoni at the crease, the stage was once again set for him to pull off another successful chase. However, the skipper failed to weave his magic as India suffered a 5-run loss.

Earlier this year, India lost an ODI series against Bangladesh on their home soil under Dhoni's captaincy and recently suffered a 2-0 loss against South Africa in the T20 series.

Dhoni, who once used to be a nightmare for bowlers, has looked a shadow of himself of late. India have now suffered three consecutive losses against South Africa and Dhoni's innings are being discussed on a consistent basis.

Apart from fans, former Indian cricketers Ajit Agarkar and Mohammed Azharuddin too have agreed that he is no more the player he used to be, raising doubts over his captaincy and even questioning his place in the squad.

Considering the fact that Virat Kohli is the man who will lead the Indian team in the years to come, it is possibly time for Dhoni to pass the baton to his deputy.

It would be extremely hard for Ravi Shastri and the think tank to continue with the 34-year-old as the skipper, with results not going India's way.

Should MS Dhoni play in the Indian team merely as a batsman? in Sports on LockerDome