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Experts and former greats from around the world are fed up of suggesting that MS Dhoni must be dropped as India Test Captain, but the selectors and the Indian think-tank seem to think otherwise. This writer is fed up of suggesting the same, and hence decided to delve on the opposite — reasons why Mahendra Singh Dhoni should stay on as India’s Skipper in Test Cricket. Here are some of the points which fit the bill. But obviously, the pun here is intended!
Above photo: BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 20: Mahendra Singh Dhoni speaks to media after day four of the 2nd Test match between Australia and India at The Gabba on December 20, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts – CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images)
First of all, India have only lost five Test series away from home starting 2011, 4-0 in England, 4-0 in Australia, 1-0 in South Africa, 1-0 in New Zealand, and 3-1 in England. How much does that account to? 13 losses, 3 draws and one win in 17 Tests! Impressive, isn’t it?
India haven’t lost the series in Australia yet. There are two more Tests two go, and perhaps the men who matter in Indian cricket are waiting for another two Tests to ponder upon (yes, only ponder) whether MS Dhoni should stay on as Test Captain. Remember, he did not captain in the first Test, so even if India lose the next two games, it would mean that he did not lead the side to a whitewash.
Watch Cricket Australia Video: MS Dhoni Interview on nets drama, the loss and DRS
According to Mahendra Singh Dhoni, India are improving with every Test they play. This process has been in place since 2011. After every defeat, he has almost said the same thing, that he is happy with the team’s performance, and that this is a learning curve. Where will we find a more accommodating captain?
Above photo: BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 20: Josh Hazlewood of Australia celebrates dismissing MS Dhoni of India for lbw during day four of the 2nd Test match between Australia and India at The Gabba on December 20, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Virat Kohli scored hundreds in both innings as captain in his first Test as Captain at Adelaide. So what, India still lost, didn’t they? Dhoni has been leading India to defeats, without contributing much with the bat! What a stroke he played in the second innings at Brisbane to get out, we all saw, didn’t we?
MS Dhoni has an excuse in place for every defeat. At Brisbane, it was the practice pitch. According to him, the surfaces were so bad that it hurt Shikhar Dhawan, as a result of which India were unsettled, and that is why they ended up losing the plot. Yes, even in the previous defeats, India were unlucky in some way or the other. But, for those factors, things could have been different.
Last, but not the least, MS Dhoni has ‘cemented’ his place in the team as Test captain and wicket-keeper. So it seems rather uncertain that he will be dislodged.
What do you people think is MS Dhoni a good or a bad Captain for India in Test Cricket?