English हिन्दी
Connect with us

Cricket news

The Mahi Way

Published

9 years ago

on

The Mahi Way

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]MSD move surprising, but not unwelcome

By Prabir Biswas

“Mahi” (Mahendra Singh Dhoni), as he is affectionately and reverentially referred to by his colleagues in the team as well as the cricketing fraternity, took his critics, fans as well as the selectors by surprise last week.

The Ranchi lad—who had inspired a new generation of cricketers, heralded yet another “golden period” in India cricket’s history and shepherded teammates for long (nine years) to achieve laurels for themselves and the country—decided last week that enough was enough and it was time to make way for Virat Kohli to take over reins of all formats. Dhoni the captain’s era was over.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]His decision came in only days before he was to sit with the selectors and decide the Final 16 for the ensuing limited overs’ games against England. But “Captain Cool” was only following his script after what he had done in Australia in December 2014 by quitting as Test captain out of the blue in the middle of an ongoing series. The reasons are, of course, different.

Virat’s ascendancy as a “total” cricketer (both as a batsman and captain) was probably not lost on Dhoni—himself a keen observer of the game. Dhoni, who had himself persisted with the then promising-yet-struggling Virat in 2012 for the Test team against Australia, was convinced that it was now Virat’s turn to lead the team in all formats of the game. The Delhi batsman’s brilliant form and captaincy record ( 13 wins in 21 Tests) made it easy for him to take the decision. Virat in the recent past has established himself as a distinct leader of the pack and his clout, popularity and acceptability in the dressing room was too obvious to ignore. He was mentoring the team as Dhoni had done so after taking over as captain. It is being rightly said that Dhoni had realised that it was Virat’s team.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The frequent “subtle” indications from officials that he should now hang his boots as a captain were perhaps too strong for Dhoni to ignore. The issue was informally “discussed” with chairman of selectors MSK Prasad a few days before the announcement came in. The man who could read the cricket pitch like his palms and make “fatal” bowling and fielding changes for the opposition, could not be wrong in his judgment on this count.

dhoni-_bcci-1Captaincy takes its toll on cricketers, more so if you are a wicket-keeper batsman. Being on the wrong side of 30s, Dhoni knew that the task would get tougher and tougher – although he has managed to retain his fitness levels and could still give any youngster in the Indian team a run for his money. That he has managed to don both the roles (captain and wicket-keeper batsman) commendably and with aplomb for so long is legendary and only a handful of players have done so in cricket. Farokh Engineer was one, but he held the captaincy for a short period. Kumara Sangakkara, Brendan McCullum and Andy Flower were others who succeeded in this difficult task.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Demands of captaincy (that too a winning captain) was casting its shadow on Dhoni’s exploits with the bat. The man who is considered in world cricket as the greatest finisher of the game (in shorter formats) wasn’t doing justice to his potential and record. Fault lines had started appearing on his performance. The “impregnable” and “he-could-do- no-wrong-with-the-bat” image was slowly but surely taking a beating. The ODI team under him had lost 11 and won 10 matches after the 2015 World Cup.

Keeping up his reputation as a swashbuckling batsman (that was what made him into a star before he was anointed captain) was perhaps occupying the mind of Dhoni. The same happened with Sunil Gavaskar in 1985; Sachin Tendulkar in 2000 and Rahul Dravid in 2007. With no captaincy encumbrances, Dhoni can now continue to chart his course ably as a top one-day batsman for the next few years of his playing career and claim a place in the team in World Cup 2019 in England. He has only resurrected his chances for the 2017 Champions Trophy, the 2019 50-over World Cup in England, and the 2020 T-20 World Cup in Australia.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]By quitting Tests as captain, Dhoni was only a senior player in the Test team under Virat, but an undisputed leader in other formats of the game. That probably would have been a tad “confusing” and not clutter-free for the new crop of players emerging in the Indian team. Moreover, India is not used to and “uncomfortable” having different captains for different versions of the game, a la Australia.

It is not an unseemly transition from Captain Cool to a cool customer with the bat. Best of luck to Mahi.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Cricket news

India’s T20 World Cup triumph validates Gautam Gambhir’s approach, coach dedicates win to Dravid and Laxman

Gautam Gambhir said he is accountable only to the team dressing room after India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs to win the 2026 T20 World Cup and dedicated the title to Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman.

Published

2 days ago

on

March 9, 2026

By

Gautam Gambhir (1)

India’s victory in the 2026 T20 World Cup has become a moment of redemption for head coach Gautam Gambhir, who had faced heavy criticism after a series of Test defeats earlier in his tenure.

India defeated New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs in the final to clinch their third T20 World Cup title, becoming the first team to achieve the feat. The win also marked the first time a team successfully defended the trophy after lifting it in the previous edition.

Gambhir says accountability lies within the dressing room

Speaking after the final, Gambhir said he does not measure his work based on public opinion or social media reactions.

“My accountability is not for people on social media. My accountability is to those 30 people in that change room,” Gambhir said during the post-match press conference.

The former India opener added that a coach’s success ultimately depends on the players.

“A coach is as good as his team. Players made me the coach I am,” he said.

Trophy dedicated to Dravid and Laxman

Despite celebrating a major triumph, Gambhir chose to acknowledge the contributions of two former India greats — Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman.

Dravid had guided India to the T20 World Cup title in 2024 before Gambhir took over the role, while Laxman currently heads the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence.

“I would dedicate this trophy to Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. To Rahul bhai for putting the Indian team in a place and Laxman for creating the pipeline at the CoE,” Gambhir said.

He also expressed gratitude to chief selector Ajit Agarkar and ICC chairman Jay Shah, recalling their support during difficult phases.

“Ajit Agarkar took a lot of flak and worked with honesty. And Jay bhai called me during my lowest ebb after the losses to New Zealand and South Africa,” he noted.

India dominate final with bat and ball

India produced a commanding performance in the final. Batting first, the team posted a massive total of 255 for five.

Sanju Samson led the charge with a blistering 89, while Abhishek Sharma (52) and Ishan Kishan (54) struck quick half-centuries to put New Zealand under pressure.

Defending the total, India bowled out New Zealand for 159. Jasprit Bumrah starred with figures of 4 for 15, while Axar Patel claimed three wickets.

Suryakumar backs Gambhir’s philosophy

India captain Suryakumar Yadav praised Gambhir’s leadership and said the pair share a strong understanding built during their time at Kolkata Knight Riders.

“I played four years under GG’s captaincy. We have never had arguments because the goal has always been how the team can win,” Suryakumar said.

He also stressed that the team’s focus remains on collective success rather than individual milestones.

Looking ahead, the captain said India would now aim for gold when cricket makes its Olympic appearance at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Continue Reading

Cricket news

India win record third T20 World Cup after thrashing New Zealand in 2026 final

India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the T20 World Cup 2026 final in Ahmedabad, becoming the first team to win the tournament three times and defend the title.

Published

2 days ago

on

March 9, 2026

By

india wins worldcup 2026

India scripted history by defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, becoming the first team to win the tournament three times and also the first to successfully defend the title.

Batting first after being put in, India produced a powerful performance with the bat to post 255 for 5 in 20 overs, the highest total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup final.

Sanju Samson led the charge with an impressive 89, while Abhishek Sharma played a stunning cameo, smashing the fastest half-century of the tournament off just 18 balls. Ishan Kishan added 54 from 25 balls and Shivam Dube provided late momentum with a quick 26 off only eight deliveries.

New Zealand fall short in steep chase

Chasing a daunting target of 256, New Zealand struggled to keep pace with the required run rate and were eventually bowled out for 159 in 19 overs.

Jasprit Bumrah delivered a match-winning spell, taking four wickets while conceding just 15 runs in his four overs. Axar Patel also made a strong impact with three wickets.

With the emphatic victory, India secured their third T20 World Cup title after previous triumphs in 2007 and 2024.

Historic achievement for India

The victory marked several milestones for the Indian team. They became the first side to:

  • Win the T20 World Cup three times
  • Defend the T20 World Cup title
  • Win the tournament on home soil

The triumph also capped a successful era under captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir, with India continuing their dominance in the shortest format of the game.

Continue Reading

Cricket news

Gautam Gambhir’s tactical calls help India edge past England to reach T20 World Cup final

India defeated England by seven runs in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal in Mumbai as tactical decisions and a flexible batting order helped secure a place in the final.

Published

5 days ago

on

March 6, 2026

By

India’s flexible approach and tactical decisions under head coach Gautam Gambhir played a key role in the team’s dramatic seven-run win over England in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. The victory sealed India’s place in the final, where they will face New Zealand.

A few months earlier, Gambhir had sparked debate by saying batting orders in white-ball cricket are “overrated”. India’s approach in the semifinal reflected that philosophy, with the team using a fluid batting order and specific match-ups to counter England’s bowling plans.

England captain Harry Brook won the toss and chose to bowl first, while India captain Suryakumar Yadav admitted later he would have preferred to bat. India made the most of the opportunity, putting up a huge total that kept pressure on England throughout the chase.

Tactical batting moves disrupt England’s plans

India’s tactical thinking became evident during the innings when Ishan Kishan was dismissed by leg-spinner Adil Rashid in the 10th over. Instead of sending in Suryakumar Yadav, India promoted left-hander Shivam Dube to No. 4.

The move worked effectively against Rashid. While Sanju Samson played cautiously against the leg-spinner, Dube attacked him and scored 22 runs from just eight deliveries, including three sixes. The aggressive approach shifted momentum back in India’s favour.

After Samson’s dismissal, India continued to maintain a left-right combination by sending Hardik Pandya to partner Dube. The strategy ensured England’s bowlers constantly had to adjust their lines and field placements.

The pressure created by the quick scoring forced Brook to reintroduce Jofra Archer earlier than planned. India continued to rotate their batting options based on match situations, even holding Tilak Varma back for the death overs where his ability against pace could be more effective.

Bowling strategy keeps England in check

India’s tactical planning was also visible in the bowling department. Anticipating that the Wankhede pitch would remain favourable for batting under lights, the team focused on picking up early wickets to slow England’s momentum.

Hardik Pandya provided the early breakthrough, dismissing Phil Salt with his first delivery. Later, Jasprit Bumrah was used strategically during the innings and delivered crucial overs in the latter stages.

Despite a brilliant century from Jacob Bethell, England fell just short of the target as India managed to defend their total and secure a place in the final.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com