New Delhi: India's recent string of poor performances has raised many eyebrows over MS Dhoni’s future as captain of the team, but Bishan Singh Bedi has gone a step further and questioned the skipper’s very place in the team.

Former India captain Bedi feels irrespective of whether Dhoni is captain of the team or not, he should be in the side only if he deserves it.

“If it (Midas touch) was there at all, then where has it gone now? A captain has to find a place in the side first before he leads. It is for the selectors to decide but I have made a very simple observation. A captain must find a place in the team whether he is a bowler, batsman or a wicketkeeper. He should be a good enough player,” Bedi told HEADLINES TODAY, while responding to a question on whether Dhoni deserves to lead the Indian team.

Bedi was also critical on the Indian cricket Board’s decision to not extend Mohinder Amarnath’s contract as one of the selectors.

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Amarnath had served for just a year as a selector but was taken off board by the BCCI last month.

The former India all-rounder insisted on many changes in the team which did not go down well with the BCCI bigwigs. This was seen as one of the reasons for his removal.

Bedi was critical of the decision and said the BCCI shut the door on Amarnath only because the board could not accept the fact that somebody went against its wishes over selection.

“It’s grossly unfair that he (Amarnath) was only there for a year. I felt rather annoyed as the BCCI felt its prerogative to decide who the selectors should be. Jimmy had a great chance of becoming the chief selector but the BCCI didn’t let it happen."

“In the last selection committee, the only guy who was in disagreement with the BCCI was Jimmy Amarnath and they have shown him the door."

“No matter what kind of money you pay them, you can’t have people towing your line all the time as professionally people can have differences,” asserted the former India left- arm spinner.

Bedi also felt that India must look out for fresh talent with most of the bowlers, including paceman Zaheer Khan, past their prime.

“Let’s be honest. Bhajji (Harbhajan), Sehwag or Zaheer Khan and L Balaji are all past their prime. The best is behind them, so if they have to survive now, they have to keep their act together.”

The humiliating defeats in England and Australia have drawn flak for the national team but Bedi feels India can return the favour when the two teams tour India.

“Yes we can beat them, provided they play well and play to their potential. Now who is going to decide this potential? The players or the selectors... who is in the best of form or nick, you just can’t rest on your laurels indefinitely."

“Spinners should play a big role but whether it will happen or not, remains to be seen. It’s the only chance India have if they want to enforce a series win against England and Australia. But importantly, the spinners have to be used in an attacking manner,” said Bedi.