MS Dhoni Still has 14 IPL Games Leading Upto the World Cup – Anil Kumble
Jan 11, 2019 at 6:35 PM
MS Dhoni and his failed attempt with the bat has been the flowing story for a long time now. Anil Kumble, who once captained MSD spoke for him ahead of the Australia ODI’s. The veteran India wicketkeeper-batsman has been under the storm eye for not living upto the expectations with the bat. Though his exploits behind the wickets have been par excellence, his form with a bat has become a worry now. Meanwhile, Kumble has come in MS’ defence, saying he still has game time leading upto the World Cup.
With time, the expectations didn’t change – Anil Kumble
Kumble, who too ended his career on a high said MS Dhoni’s role should have changed with time, but it didn’t; and as the expectations also didn’t change, the pressure mounted on him to deliver. Dhoni is 37 years old now, and evidently, he cannot be the same person he was a decade back.
Kumble further said MSD has a lot of games leading to the 2019 World Cup. With India scheduled to face Australia, New Zealand and then again Australia at home; plus 14 games in the IPL 2019, Kumble reckons the India batsman has enough time to get ready for the mega event, which begins on May 30th. Speaking to News18, Kumble said,
“Yes, it is not easy to live up to those expectations right through your career. You know your roles change. Unfortunately for MS, his role seems to be the same. And the expectation seems to be the same. But having said that he is capable of delivering it. The key moments. Leading up to the World Cup. What’s good for MS is that he has the IPL. You know those 14 matches for sure leading up to the World Cup. So he needs a lot of game time, match time and that is something you need as you grow older.”
He will take his time – Anil Kumble
Kumble said MS Dhoni has his own way of playing cricket. He said everyone knows MS will take his time, and thus for him getting into the groove is important. Also, Anil Kumble mentioned MS doesn’t need to do much with the gloves on; but when it comes to batting, he just needs to play more game to stay close to ODI cricket.
“You know for someone like him, he needs a break as well. At the same time that you get into the groove. And keep continuously playing matches so that you are in the groove getting your runs and getting the feel of ball hitting the bat. His keeping is world class so he doesn’t need to do much there but his batting he needs to play a lot of matches to get into the groove. And I am hoping the lead up will give him those opportunities because if you look back at all the matches in the last couple of years. The middle order hardly have a chance.”
Meanwhile, India will take on Australia in the first of the three ODI’s, starting January 12th in Sydney.