Former captain Sourav Ganguly demanded respect for beleaguered Mahendra Singh Dhoni, saying he has astonishing ODI records as skipper and needs to be given all the time in the world to take a decision.

Following India’s defeat in the second ODI against Bangladesh, in an unusual show of emotions, Dhoni last night said he can step away from captaincy if it brings back good days to Indian cricket. Ganguly said one must not take it seriously since Dhoni’s words were result of frustration.

“He has said it in the heat of the moment and it’s not right. He was upset after the defeat. Leave it there. Everybody has to sit together and think. Don’t put MS Dhoni down, he has a terrific record in ODIs. Give respect to him,” Ganguly told a TV Channel.

When asked if he thinks Dhoni should continue as captain at least till 2016 World Twenty20, Ganguly said, “It’s not an individual decision. Let’s cool down, let the series be finished. Such a decision can’t be taken overnight.

 -PTI