Ravi Shastri on MS Dhoni’s replacement: The Indian coach was vocal about the Indian wicket-keeper batsman’s importance in the team.
Advertisement
The general point of view about former India captain and current wicket-keeper batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni has changed in India within a span of one week. Coming on the back of his worst year (in terms of number of runs) in ODIs, there weren’t many expectations from an out-of-form Dhoni.
After being declared as the ‘Man of the series’ for scoring 193 runs in three matches at an average of 193 and a strike rate of 73.10 including three half-centuries, Dhoni seems to have regained the trust of the fans back home after many of them were waiting for him to hang his boots.
Having last won it in 2011, it has taken Dhoni more than seven years to win another such award. With him winning it now, it has made people believe that he still has it in him to dominate the proceedings during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
Justin Langer in PC: “MS Dhoni’s fitness is elite. If he can keep wickets for 50 overs and run between wickets like that… that’s the fitness level whole (cricketing) world should aspire to.” #AusvInd
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) January 18, 2019
Virat Kohli in PC: “Personally I feel number five is the ideal batting spot for MS Dhoni and for the team as well. It allows him game time, attack when required and finish games off.” #AusvInd
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) January 18, 2019
In an interview with former England captain Michael Vaughan for The Telegraph, India Head Coach Ravi Shastri talked about Dhoni saying that he is irreplaceable at the highest level.
“You can’t [replace Dhoni]. Such players only come once in 30 or 40 years. That is what I tell Indians. Enjoy it while it lasts. When he goes you will see a void that will be very hard to fill,” Shastri was quoted as saying.
Apart from his batting, Dhoni contributes heavily on the field, assisting India captain Virat Kohli in field placings and bowler rotation chiefly. The wise and calm head of the 37-year old cricketer brings him to the forefront whenever Kohli has to review a decision.
Another day, another final of sorts and @msdhoni hunts down another chase like he was born for that purpose. Unbelievable composure and resolve #INDvAUS #MSDhoni
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) January 18, 2019
Came in at 4 and what an unstoppable force that turned out to be! Put your whistles together for the Man of the Series! #WhistlePodu #Thala #AUSvIND 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/i1VFXLjVTl
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) January 18, 2019
Asked about Dhoni’s involvement in the field placings and DRS (Decision Review System), Shastri disclosed the reason behind the same and also talked about the respect which the veteran gets from his teammates.
“That is because he has the best angle. He sees things. He is great with the guys, they all worship him. This entire team has been built by him because he was captain for 10 years. To have that kind of respect in the dressing room and experience is massive,” he added.
