Former Indian southpaw spinner Bishen Singh Bedi believes ex-captain MS Dhoni is still half the captain of the India National Cricket Team. Bedi also added Virat Kohli was visibly rough without MS Dhoni in the fourth Mohali ODI. Meanwhile, it is well known that MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli share a great mutual respect for each other.
Consequently, we have seen that Virat Kohli goes on to field outside the 30-yard circle in the fag end of the innings, as he one of the best fielders of the team. Thus, MS Dhoni takes over the mantle of setting up the field. Dhoni also helps the spinners as he guides them where and how they should bowl.
Dhoni is co-captain of the ship.
Meanwhile, the former spinner Bishen Singh Bedi fails to understand the reason why MS Dhoni was rested for the last two ODIs against Australia. Subsequently, Rishabh Pant was given his chance but he fluffed a stumping chance which turned down the turning point of the match.
“I am nobody to comment but we all are wondering that why Dhoni is being rested and his absence was felt yesterday, behind the stumps, with the bat and on the field also. He is almost half a captain,” Bedi told PTI at a reception organised by the Australian High Commission for its cricket team.
“Dhoni is not getting any younger, he is no spring chicken either but the team needs him. He has a calming influence on the side. The captain needs him by his side, he is visibly rough without him. It is not a good sign,” said the 72-year-old
On the other hand, India National Cricket Team has been experimenting in the last one year. They have been trying to strengthen their bench strength but they haven’t yet got the performances from their backup players. Bedi wants the team to live in the present.
Rishabh Pant needs to improve on his glovework.
“I would personally like them to live in the present. World Cup is still two and a half months away. Just play the game. For World Cup, we have been experimenting in the last one year and I am not happy with that at all,” he said.
“Anyone of them can get injured during the IPL. You can’t expect them to not give 100 percent while playing for their respective franchises.”
Meanwhile, Bedi believes Rishabh Pant needs to calm down behind the stumps. Pant is making unnecessary errors and the former spinner wants the team management to guide him to the right path.
“Pant is a wild horse. Somebody has to tame him. Who is going to do that? The support staff should be able to do that. He is making the same mistakes again and again and behind stumps, too, he has a lot of work to do, honestly. Your chairman of the selection committee (MSK Prasad) is a wicketkeeper, you talk to him at least,” said Bedi.
Bishen Singh Bedi is well known for speaking his mind. He is not someone who likes to mince words and he has once again hit the nail on the head.