Former Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has criticized the captaincy of MS Dhoni during the fifth ODI in Mumbai. Gavaskar felt that Dhoni was not flexible enough with his bowlers, as they were belted to all parts of the Wankhede Stadium. Gavaskar felt that Dhoni should have rotated his bowlers in a more efficient manner, but he didn’t do that.
“Mahendra Singh Dhoni had no flexibility while making bowling changes. But then again he didn’t have much options. Earlier also, we have seen that he has pretty set ideas when it comes to bowling changes. But none of the bowlers clicked today,” Gavaskar told NDTV. Gavaskar was spot on when he said that Dhoni did not have too many options. His pacers were leaking runs at the highest rate, and on a lifeless pitch, his spinners struggled as well.
“Bowling is a major worry for India now. We have seen in the T20I and ODI series how they have been ordinary. The Wankhede pitch had turn and good carry. But the Indian bowlers did not bowl accordingly. The fast bowlers were constantly using short pitched deliveries but at 135 kmph,” Gavaskar said. “You can never trouble South African batsmen with that pace. If you are attempting to attack them with bouncers, your speed should be around 145kmph. Today Bhuvneshwar and Mohit Sharma conceded too many runs,” added Gavaskar.
Gavaskar also felt that the Indians dearly missed the services of R. Ashwin. “I also think India missed Ashwin badly. I know he is too eager to play. He missed the last few matches but I saw him bowling in the nets ahead of the third ODI. I think he should not rush things as a side strain can stay with you for long. He should be patient to recover before the Test series,” said Gavaskar.
The batting legend was in complete awe of AB De Villiers and said, “He is a superman. He is incredible. I think the secret of his success is his positioning. He can read the bowlers’ mind and can get into the hitting position quite well. India need to find a solution to tackle him ahead of the Test series.”