Viru to Dhoni: Score from ball one
NEW DELHI: MS Dhoni is facing some serious questions on his batting after New Zealand beat India in the second T20 in Rajkot. The former India captain played 10 dot balls as the hosts fell short by 40 runs in a 197-run chase.
Though Dhoni scored 49 off 37 balls, his inability to score runs at a fast pace while chasing a big total was pointed out by former India players VVS Laxman and Ajit Agarkar.
Now, Virender Sehwag has joined the chorus, asking the Indian team management to make it clear to Dhoni what his role was in the T20 team.
“Dhoni should realise his role in the team. He has to change the momentum early while chasing a strong total. He has to score from ball one and the team management should make him understand this point,” Sehwag told ‘India TV’.
The 36-year-old Dhoni had a strike rate of 132 at the end of his innings, but his inability to rotate strike drew criticism.
Sehwag though felt the Kohliled side still needed Dhoni.
“India need Dhoni at the moment, even in T20 cricket. He will step down at the right time. He will never block the way for any young cricketer,” the bighitting opener said.
Laxman had said: “I still feel it’s time for Dhoni to give youngsters a chance in T20. It will be an opportunity for a youngster to blossom and get confidence playing international cricket.”
Agarkar said the time Dhoni takes to settle down isn’t pardon- able in T20.
“Over the last few games he takes a bit of time; in T20 there is no time. He’s come in to bat in the 10th over. How many times do you get to bat in a T20 game? That’s enough time for any batsman. India need to look at other options for T20. In ODIS it seems they’re happy with the role he’s playing. When he was captain, it was different.”
Dhoni should realise his role in the team. He has to change the momentum early while chasing a strong total. He has to score from ball one. On asking Dhoni to hit from first ball India need Dhoni at the moment, even in T20 cricket. He will step down at the right time. He will never block the way for any young cricketer.
On Dhoni’s importance in team