'Criticising Dhoni is like questioning Sachin's ability'

The 49-year-old Bhattacharya, under whom Dhoni made the life-changing switch from being a football goalkeeper to a wicketkeeper in 1995, feels the critics should refrain from making negative statements.

"The other day (Sunil) Gavaskar was after Dhoni's captaincy and recently (after the win in Kochi) I've heard him saying there cannot be a captain like him," Bhattacharya told PTI.

"Criticism is always welcome but it should be healthy. You should understand everyday is not a Sunday. He has given you all the titles -- from the World T20 title, the World Cup victory and being No 1 in Tests. It's like questioning the ability of Tendulkar's run-making skills."

But looking at the tremendous workload of Dhoni, Bhattacharya said the Indian skipper can consider giving up one format by 2014.

"Looking at World Cup 2015, I'm sure he's seriously thinking about giving up one format. However, we never spoke about it. It's been a long time -- since February -- that we las spoke," Bhattacharya said. MORE