India’s senior wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni has recently been criticised for his inability to score runs at the brisk pace at the fag end of innings. Dhoni, who had been a slow-starter, had further faced wrath from all quarters after failing to provide impetus against England at Edgbaston on June 30 which also saw India losing the game by 31 runs.
However, Dhoni has made a good recovery by remaining not out on 42 off 31 deliveries.
In his knock, Dhoni managed to found the fence on four occasions apart from a solitary six in India’s innings.
However, to talk about Dhoni, he has done an outstanding job by playing to his full potential in the warm-up game against Bangladesh.
Well, in the ongoing World Cup Dhoni has found things bit difficult. Furthermore, it subsequently saw pitches slowing down in the second innings. Not long back, when many believed Dhoni’s power-hitting is on the wane, he has produced some scintillating knocks to win games for the Team India.
MS Dhoni is playing his final ODI showpiece:
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s veteran bowler has made a bold call on India’s former skipper Dhoni on whether he should continue representing his country post World Cup. Malinga, who has two World Cup hat-tricks to his name, believes Dhoni has a lot left in his tank. He conceded that Dhoni should play at least for a year.
Maling further considers Dhoni is still best in playing finishing role for the team. He believes it won’t be too easy for a youngster to fill his big shoes. Also, Malinga urged youngsters to take a cue from Dhoni.
“He should play another year or two and prepare players who can do the job of finishers on the big stage. He is still the best finisher in world cricket. It will be difficult to fill his shoes. (The) young players should look to learn from him,” IANS quoted Malinga, as saying.
Besides, the speculations are on high that Dhoni will announce his retirement following the culmination of the ICC World Cup 2019.
India as a team has shown character: Lasith Malinga
While speaking ahead of India-Sri Lanka game which will take place in Leeds on Saturday, Malinga has hailed Team India’s efforts. He has hailed Men in Blue skipper Virat Kohli and his deputy Rohit Sharma. The duo played a vital role in a team’s success.
Before signing off, Malinga remarked India has a pool of match-winning players which adds plenty to the team.
“I think this team can do it as they have shown character. They have experienced players and you know how well Rohit Sharma is playing. Virat Kohli is also due. And he might score his first hundred in the semi-final or the final as he loves the big stage. The Indians have a lot of match-winning players and that is what counts,” Malinga concluded.
In the meantime, Dhoni has an opportunity to go all out if India opts to bat first against the Islanders.