MS Dhoni has said he is not aware of any ultimatum the BCCI might have given to VVS Laxman after the batsman’s lean series in England and Australia. It was reported in some Indian newspapers, quoting BCCI officials, that Laxman might have played his last Test in Perth. “As of now there is nothing like that that I know of officially,” Dhoni said when asked about the development.

When asked if he would try to talk him out of it if Laxman indeed decided to call it quits, Dhoni said: “I won’t like to answer something where there is a big if and big but. I don’t know where this came from, but unless Laxman comes and tells me I don’t know whether it’s happening or not happening. I really don’t have to think about it [now].”

Dhoni, however, spoke about the importance of phasing out the seniors thoughtfully. He said he hadn’t sat and thought about it, but the end of the series might be a good time to start. “Not really right now,” he said. “May be at the end of the series will be a right time. We also have to see what the senior’s thoughts are. I think there is a bit more emphasis right now about getting rid of the seniors but it will be a very careful decision. Because of what they have done for the country, and the amount of experience they can share with the youngsters.”