A friend sent a text message today that went like this, "If Dravid could be held responsible for India's World Cup debacle in 2007 and asked to quit, isn't it fair to sack Dhoni, now that he has failed to lead the team beyond second round in two successive T-20 World Cups?".
A lot of Dhoni haters are out with vitriol. I too am upset with Dhoni's Uncommon Sense and with the way he has managed the affairs during this T-20 WC. But I don't agree with these knee-jerk reactions. We are too emotional and are too quick to react. It is either absolute adulation or damned demolition of Demigods; no balance whatsoever!
I believe Dhoni should continue to Captain India at least till 2011 World Cup. This is absolutely not the time to change the Captain or the Coach. And here are the reasons...
Dhoni has done exceedingly well in Tests and under him, India have reached the pinnacle of Test Championship. In ODI matches too, India have done pretty well under Dhoni. Even though the fabulous seniors have a big role in this accent, Dhoni's role can't be ignored.
And the second reason is more pertinent. Who will replace him? Let us take a look at the probables.
1] Virendar Sehwag: India's Premier Test Match Batsman since 2005, Viru needs to be free of all the stress. We can't afford to entangle his uncluttered mind in cobwebs of self doubts. India's success depends on Sehwagging. Leave him alone, Sehwag is too precious to be Captain!
2] Gautham Gambhir: We have seen his leadership qualities when he lead Delhi Daredevils to disaster during IPL-3. For a chap with a foot in the mouth, the added burden of Captaincy will mean doom. And who knows; he might say England are an Ordinary side and then end up losing to Ireland, Antarctica and even Uganda during next T-20 World Cup.
3] Yuveraj Singh: The way he has played over the past 3 months, Yuvi should thank his fortunes, Dhoni and Selectors for selecting him for the Caribbean tour. He doesn't deserve a place in India-A team in his current form and shape.
4] Harbhajan Singh: I mentioned him just because he is a senior player. He has absolutely no leadership qualities.
5] Suresh Raina: He is a good long term prospect. But still too 'Short' on International experience to be a leader of Men. Let him lead the boys first and then we will assess him!
6] Who else... But Dhoni?
I have not mentioned Sachin, Dravid and Laxman simply because they will not be interested in this job anymore!
So we have to persist with Dhoni. He still is the best bet when it comes to Captaincy; simply because his average has not collapsed after becoming the Captain even though he has lost a lot of flair at the crease. Almost all Indian Captains went downhill after inheriting the mantle and Dhoni is the only exception. So like it or not; Dhoni is here to 'Stay'!
dhoni should stay.we must produce more attacking bowlers and committed fielders to win the matches.
ReplyDeleteIts right, he is here to stay. But when he played for his club a fortnight ago he was original. In this tour he looked pale shadow of Dhoni we know in batting, captaincy. He was so undhoni. I feel human race is evolving. Its not language, its not country nor state but money is great motivator and unifier. You can buy any body and ask him to bat, bowl, field,or cheer lead you. And they give more than 100%. Remember the match against KingsXI? What say?
ReplyDeleteDhoni was handicapped by the pitches. India have played very little Cricket in these conditions. Dhoni revels when the ball comes to bat. But having said that, he too is not free of the short-fall against short ball ! Only Sachin before 1998, Laxman since 2001 and Yuveraj in prime relish the short balls. Even Dravid and Sehwag have shown some weakness. In Tests and ODIs, this doesn't bake much of a problem because of restrictions and the length of the games. Since T-20 is so short, the short balls have become a long haul for Team India. This same team will do well against same bowling in Tests and ODIs. Just remember that!
ReplyDeleteJagan, you are absolutely right. Actually we need attacking bowlers who can also field. Just look at the fielding standards of Zaheer, Nehra and Bhajji. They are simply two rungs below international standards. And a 33 years old Dirk Nannes throws himself around on the ropes to save that 1 run and 'THAT' is the difference!
ReplyDeleteCan't agree more. Sehwag and Yuvraj were not good enough to lead even their IPL outfits and I think Sehwag is not interested either. This is an unfortunate situation for I believe there should always be a couple of players who can take over the captaincy reins. Else, it may lead to complacence and the incumbent might take it for granted. I want MSD to remain, but there must be some pressure on him not to take it granted.
ReplyDelete