World T20: India's MS Dhoni invites journalist on stage

Omnisports

March 31, 2016 5:49 AM

Following India's World Twenty20 exit to West Indies, MS Dhoni took a novel approach to dealing with a question about his future.

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India limited-overs captain MS Dhoni shot down a reporter's question over his future in cricket at a media conference by inviting him on stage to discuss the matter.

World Twenty20 hosts India were knocked out at the semi-final stage following a seven-wicket defeat to West Indies in Mumbai on Thursday.

Virat Kohli's unbeaten 89 off 47 balls put the hosts in a commanding position, but the Windies -inspired by Lendl Simmons' equally brilliant unbeaten 82 - completed a thrilling chase with two deliveries remaining to book a meeting with England in Sunday's final.

Following the match, Dhoni playfully dealt with speculation over his future with the national team.

When asked how keen he was to continue playing, the India captain invited the reporter to sit alongside him and questioned: "Do you want me to retire?"

Journalist Sam Ferris responded: "That's what I was going to ask you."

"Do you think I'm unfit, looking at me running?" probed Dhoni. "No, very fast," came the reporter's reply.

"Do you think I can survive until the 2019 World Cup?" asked the India captain, prompting a hesitant response: "Yes, sure."

"Then you have the answer to your question," ended Dhoni.

As the reporter returned to their seat, the India captain added: "I wish it was an Indian media person, then I would have asked if he has a son who is a wicketkeeper and ready to play.

"He would have said no, then I would have said maybe a brother who is a wicketkeeper and who is ready to play.

"You fired the wrong ammunition at the wrong time."

Omnisports