Former India all-rounder Ajit Agarkar got slammed by the fans for his comments on former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is facing the heat after his uncharacteristic knock in the second T20I against New Zealand.
Agarkar’s comment had come after Dhoni failed to play according to the situation in Rajkot.
Having walked into bat when the team was four down for just 67 runs in the tenth over and needed more than 10 runs per over to chase down a huge 197, Dhoni, like he usually does, took his time initially. And by the team, he played some big shots the match was already sealed in the Kiwis’ favour.
In the first 20 balls that he faced, he had managed only 17 runs, and although he eventually scored 49 off 37, his knock could not provide the chase with the much-needed impetus, as India went on to lose the game by 40 runs.
Since that knock, Dhoni has been facing widespread criticism with Agarkar also being one of the critics. The former India star had said that India should look beyond the World Cup-winning skipper in the shortest format of the game.
“I think India must now look at other options, at least in T20Is. In one-day cricket, they seem to be happy with the role that he is playing. When you were the captain of the side, it was different. But just as a batsman, will India miss him, I don’t think so. In T20 cricket, it is a lot easier to make that transition as there is a lot of experience in that team apart from MS Dhoni now,” Agarkar had told ESPNcricinfo.
The likes of VVS Laxman and Aakash Chopra too had echoed Agarkar’s sentiments on the matter.
But while Agarkar might be right in their assessment of Dhoni’s future, his comment did not go down well with the fans who took to Twitter to slam him.
Here are some of the messages:
Ajit agarkar i wonder how you played for india, theres much more desrving cricketers in india, perhaps using some influence.there are 1000 cricketers like u all over. ur economy rate was always 8 and taking last 2-3 wickets, shame on you to comment on dhoni who is a legend
— Sunil Sharma (@AGARDONK) November 9, 2017
Ajit Agarkar, VVS Laxman and Akash Chopra made stupid comments on Dhoni. During their entire tenure they never had the fitness like Dhoni. It is just jealousy but nothing else. Just because Laxman and Chopra are doing commentary, they have no right2 talk nonsense. Respect Dhoni.
— RKA (@RKADIVI65) November 11, 2017
@imAagarkar comments on @msdhoni truely tells your personality. He is always a master of limited cricket . I think you must respect him. And your comments on dhoni are like local MLA commenting on PM's job
— Shubham kawatra (@kawatra_shubham) November 10, 2017
@imAagarkar @VVSLaxman281 Laxman Chopra n agarkar r not competent enough to cast aspersions on msd and his achievements. You are all nowhere near him. Mind you, Gavaskar, Tendulkar and Dhoni and beyond comparison
— Aashish Berry (@aashishberry) November 10, 2017
@imAagarkar hello ms dhoni is best player and best caption , real me samjha jaye to pahle aap apana record dekho fir msd ki aalochana kero ok
— Vishnu Meena (@VishnuM21455198) November 10, 2017
@imAagarkar Mr. Just keep ur mouth shut u r nothing in front of Dhoni, and you r no1 to comment on his retirement, khud to team mei jgh bna nhi pae logo ke career pe comment krenge..
— ashwani chawla (@ashwanichawla03) November 10, 2017
Thanku @imVkohli for your kind words about our hero and idol that is @msdhoni the conquer and the power Machine that always be rule on every heart.
Upset movement for her hatrs like Akash Chopra,Agarkar and VVS Lakshman ???? pic.twitter.com/eXkXKIX5LL— Dhanesh Kumar (@mahi44699) November 11, 2017
@imAagarkar u are not eligible to comment one the best cricket of India has ever produce. U can't decide who will retired when. This is degrading ur image again and again
— GYANA RANJAN BHUYAN (@imgyana4u) November 10, 2017
People who are asking to drop #MSDhoni firstly ask them what they have done for India they were good for nothing like @imAagarkar #akashchopra
— karan (@karanohri1981) November 9, 2017
https://twitter.com/Sandesh0977/status/928661386036744193?
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