SYDNEY: Under-fire Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni got much-needed support from former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram who said the “hullabaloo” about his leadership is “ill-timed” as speculated replacement Virender Sehwag is not qualified for the job.
“The entire hullabaloo around MS Dhoni’s captaincy is extremely ill-timed. Captain-bashing is a favourite pastime of cricket pundits in the Indian sub-continent and the media just loves it,” wrote Akram in his column.
“…I believe Dhoni is the best man to lead India and will remain so in the immediate future…In recent times, BCCI’s planning has reflected poorly on India’s overseas performances. So, it would be unfair to make Dhoni a scapegoat.
“There are two names – Sehwag and Virat Kohli — doing the rounds as ‘next’ captains. In my book, none of them qualify for the job,” he said. Akram said while the pressure on Dhoni is understandable after consecutive Test whitewashes on foreign soil but Sehwag was not too impressive either when he got the chance to lead the side in the final Test against Australia.
“Sehwag was very unimpressive when he led the Indian team at Adelaide and Kohli is a kid who has just begun his career. He can wait for another five years. I had expected better body language from Sehwag and his team during the Adelaide Test, but I was disappointed,” he said.
“This ‘I give-a-damn’ attitude is counter-productive when the chips are down. What did Sehwag do to salvage India’s pride at Adelaide? ” .
“Dhoni may not have done enough as skipper, but two bad series does not mean he should be derided and kicked out. Does the BCCI really have an option?” (PTI)
