Former India all-rounder Ajit Agarkar has cast doubt over MS Dhoni's future at international level.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Dhoni retired from Test cricket at the end of 2014, but has remained at the helm of India's limited-overs teams.

However, Agarkar has been unconvinced by the 34-year-old's recent decision to move up the order in one-day internationals and believes poor performances in the upcoming series against South Africa could put Dhoni's position in jeopardy.

Agarkar told ESPNCricinfo: "The selectors need to have a closer look at what MS Dhoni is doing, not just as captain, but as a player as well.

"He has been a great player for India, but you don't want him to become a liability for the team.

"And he needs to perform a lot better than he has [been]. Just because he has done it over the years, doesn't mean it's okay for him to fail."

Dhoni, who has scored half-centuries in three of his last six ODI innings, suggested he was open to relinquishing the captaincy in the wake of India's recent series defeat to Bangladesh.

The first of three 50-over matches between India and South Africa takes place in Kanpur on Sunday.