Baramulla: The hottest debate doing round the corners throughout the sports circle these days is the discussion on the replacement of Mahendra Singh Dhoni from at least one format of the agme and this Test cricket. Though no officials or players have talked about it directly, Kolkata Knight Riders winning captain Gautam Gambhir, who has had a fabulous IPL-5 did hint about taking over the reign if given the chance,

However, Dhoni remains unperturbed by the rumours and speculation and when asked about the same said that the decision to name his successor wasn’t in his hands but since the question has arisen, he would vote for himself to retain the job.

“It is not in my hands. If you ask me, my choice would be me,” Dhoni told reporters here at a place which is 55 kms from Srinagar. “As far as the contenders as concerned there are many... we have Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli,” he added.

Virender Sehwag was deputy to Dhoni for quite sometime before his teammate Gautam Gambhir replaced him as the vice-captain and despite gauti handling the job well, another Delhi batsman and India’s new poster boy Virat Kohli was handed over the job much to the dislike of many.

Meanwhile Lt Col. MS Dhoni on Sunday visited the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir's Baramulla district where he interacted with soldiers and local youth. He also expressed his desire to serve the force after his playing days are over.


After his arrival at Srinagar airport, he flew in a military helicopter to the forward border outpost of Kaman in the border town of Uri where he interacted with the troops deployed and also posed for a photo opportunity with the soldiers.

On arrival in Baramulla town, he interacted with the troops of the Baramulla garrison at the Thimayya Hall and thanked the army for keeping the country secure.

In Baramulla, Dhoni met the youth of the valley who had participated in the Kashmir Premier League. He also interacted with media persons.

"Not only cricket, but all sports can usher in peace in the Valley. There is a lot of cricketing talent in the Valley. The local cricket players need to come forward and hone their talent," Dhoni told reporters in Baramulla.

Dhoni also wished Sachin Tendulkar success in his new role as a parliamentarian.