Imagine this: You are a hardworking, talented youngster and a junior executive in a big corporate firm. You have a decorated senior above you who is on the verge of retirement. He decides to take a two-month sabbatical. You are glad to have got the opportunity to replace him. But you know that once he is back, you will have to make way for some time, at least.
What will you do? You will either put twice the efforts to not lose that place or you will sink into negative thoughts of the senior getting back his place after two months even if you deliver better than what he could have done at his age.
This could exactly be the situation in the Indian team right now, with India veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni reportedly deciding to take a two-month sabbatical from the team and making himself unavailable for the tour of the West Indies, which comprises three T20Is, as many ODIs and two Tests.
It's reported that Dhoni has taken a break to serve his paramilitary regiment where he is an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment of the Territorial Army.
It is only noteworthy and commendable what Dhoni has done for Indian cricket ever since he broke through the ranks to be one of the most successful captain, wicketkeeper and the finisher of the game. The Indian cricket will remain indebted to him for years to come.
However, it becomes a sorry tale when Dhoni, who was a serious believer in perform or perish when he was in charge of Indian cricket, starts picking and choosing his games and series at a time when his own form is questionable.
Ever since the World Cup in England came to an end, calls for Dhoni's retirement have only grown, more so for his inability to finish games for which he was once admired.
Being part of an Indian team that believes in professionalism, Dhoni's decision to cherry pick series, especially when he is struggling with his form, is highly unprofessional.
A close friend of Dhoni has dismissed all rumours and reports of retirement, which means the wicketkeeper could be eyeing the T20 World Cup in Australia next year. There could be no reason apart from that why Dhoni, who doesn't believe in personal records, could stay on.
At this stage of Dhoni's career, it should be the selectors or the team management who should decide if Dhoni should take a break and return fresh or if he is there in the scheme of things for the future.
Dhoni's sabbatical will not only leave the selectors in quandary but also a talented wicketkeeper-batsman with a bright future with the Indian team.
For now, Dhoni has to prove himself in every series to stay relevant, for is he well past the stage of playing on reputation.
