“MS Dhoni’s critics not good enough,” says Ravi Shastri on people slamming Dhoni

MS Dhoni’s critics not good enough: The Indian Head Coach lashed out at people criticizing the veteran cricketer.

India Head Coach Ravi Shastri recently lashed out at the critics of former India captain and current wicket-keeper batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni for continually bad-mouthing the veteran cricketer despite his returning to form last month.

It is worth mentioning that the year 2018 was Dhoni’s worst (in terms of number of runs scored) year in ODIs. Dhoni was being lashed to the extent that even his spot in the Indian team for ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 was being questioned.

Having said that, coming on the back of a lean patch, the 37-year old cricketer ended the Australia series as its ‘Man of the Series’. Scoring three consecutive half-centuries assured both the team management and the fans that Dhoni can still work wonders at the highest level.

Citing Dhoni’s recent performances where he finished and won matches for India, Shastri expressed appreciation for him in a recent interview with Cricbuzz. The Indian coach also gave the impression of counting on Dhoni’s experience going ahead.

“He is still a great batsman, and is finishing matches for us. You saw in Adelaide, and he has been in terrific form this year. He may not be Dhoni of 2008 or 2011. But experience is not bought or sold in the market,” Shastri was quoted as saying.

During times when Dhoni looked lacklustre in international cricket, some former cricketers spoke highly about his ‘invaluable’ contribution to the Indian team, which of course came from divisions other than batting. Laying emphasis on the same, Shastri highlighted how Dhoni is a game-changer on the field referring to his wicket-keeping and advisory roles.

“And why just batting, you saw the run-out of James Neesham on Sunday. That was Dhoni at his very best, like a con artist. He was not even looking at the ball, and the run-out was done in a flash, and it changed the course of that game.

“He is superb with the gloves, and from behind the stumps he really guides the wrist spinners because he understands all the fielding angles from inside the circle much better than the others,” Shastri said.

Claiming Dhoni to be ‘once in a 30-40 year period cricketer’, Shastri sounded of confidence comparing the former to greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar. It was at this point in time that Shastri also spoke against Dhoni’s frequent critics.

“Nobody is good enough to criticise MS Dhoni. If you talk about him, do you even know anything about cricket? Dhoni is like Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar. These guys come once in 30-40 years. He is an ornament to the game. He has been the captain of a number one Test team, and has two World Cups to his name.

“In fact, tell me which trophy has he not won? Name it. There is no space in his trophy cabinet. I think people should learn a thing or two about cricket before they start talking about Dhoni. You don’t get a guy [of his experience and ability] overnight,” Shastri added.