Mahendra Singh Dhoni's future has once again become fodder for speculation after the talismanic-but-currently-off-colour former India skipper sought the match ball at the end of the lost third ODI against England here. The 37-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman was seen seeking the ball from the umpires as players left the ground after India lost by eight wickets last night to go down 1-2 in the series. The act was an unusual one for Dhoni, who is more known for collecting stumps after winning matches.

The 30-second clip went viral on social media and accompanying it were questions on whether the two-time World Cup-winning skipper had dropped a hint at retirement. However, sources in the team management dismissed the talk as nothing more than "rumours". Dhoni, who retired stunningly from Test cricket in the middle of India's 2014 tour of Australia, has been under the scanner of late for not being able to score as prolifically as he has been known to. His legendary finishing skills and the ability to accelerate innings have been on the wane but current skipper Virat Kohli has backed him to the hilt, dismissing any criticism directed at the senior player.