Anil Kumble opines on MS Dhoni’s batting position: The former India captain opened up about the wicket-keeper batsman.
The upcoming ODI series against Australia will pretty much confirm India’s squad for ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. While the same has majorly been confirmed, there are still a couple of spots which require further confirmation, something which is mostly likely to happen during the T20Is against New Zealand and the series against Australia.
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Having won the ‘Man of the Series’ award against Australia in Australia, former India captain and current wicket-keeper batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni gave indications of returning back to form. Having said that, there are still some apprehensions on his batting position.
In a recent interview with Cricket Next, former India captain and legendary spinner Anil Kumble opened about Dhoni’s batting number. “I think there is a lot of talk especially when MS comes into the batting line up. About not having to go all the way and win matches. He has done that in Australia, he has done that many numbers of times,” Kumble was quoted as saying.
Back in India’s T20I ranks, MS Dhoni goes bang in training https://t.co/4xTO593ztu #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/tCpoFUPRnT
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 5, 2019
Ravi Shastri slammed MS Dhoni’s Haters.#NZvIND #IndiaFantasy pic.twitter.com/UP1I0kPhL7
— India Fantasy (@india_fantasy) February 7, 2019
While the 48-year old appreciated Dhoni’s skill of finishing matches, he didn’t shy away from saying that the wicket-keeper batsman can bat at No. 4. Citing situations where the team is in trouble, Kumble believed that the veteran cricketer would be the best person to provide the rescue act.
“I still believe that he is someone who can bat at number four. If India is in trouble, push him up. He will take his time, you need that and then he has the experience so that he makes sure he bats till the end.
“And others can be a bit positive around him. I think that is the role he will play and his experience is really needed not just in front of the stumps and also behind the stumps,” Kumble added.
Batsman’s reaction when dhoni appeals to the umpire#Dhoni pic.twitter.com/ZdkHWSxj5f
— Bunty (Chhatri wala) (@ssesarcasm) February 4, 2019
Never leave your crease with MS Dhoni behind the stumps! https://t.co/RoUp4iMpX6
— ICC (@ICC) February 3, 2019
😎To all those people who are blaming #Ms_Dhoni for this loss!!👊👊☝ pic.twitter.com/0rb5lzUPfQ
— 💞Αгανιηեի💞 (@AravinthGovint1) February 7, 2019
Most recently, India coach Ravi Shastri had highlighted Dhoni’s experience as critical for the Indian team going into the world event. Speaking on similar lines, Kumble hailed Dhoni’s experience and wasn’t worried about his rhythm.
“I think that experience nobody has so I don’t think there should be any talk now about MS Dhoni or his batting I think. It is all about how he can go out there and contribute in the World Cup.
“Leading up to the World Cup, these five matches in India and of course the IPL is there for him. So I think there is plenty of white ball cricket he will be involved in as well. So that should help him getting into his rhythm,” Kumble concluded.
