Dhoni failed to inspire India:Wasim Akram
Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram found Mahendra Singh Dhoni's hardly inspiring demeanor during the recently-Concluded Test series and said the visitors at 0-4 drubbing against England should act as "eye-opener" for the Indian skipper.
Akram did Dhoni's poor batting show against England bowling attack inspired England bowling attack also played a major rolein India suffering their worst Test series defeat in the country since a 5-0 loss felt in 1959.
A pathetic India slumped to win in eight innings and runs defeat in the fourth and final Test at The Oval to give England a resounding series 4-0.
"His concern is of great batting in this series Form. Repeatedly Dhoni got out in the slips region. He may have got a couple of 70-plus scores in the third Test at Edgbaston, but what good are these runs when your opponent has amassed a 700-plus score? "Akram said.
Dhoni was out for three in the second innings on the fifth day when he slashed at a wide delivery from Stuart Broad and was caught at second slip.
Akram said Dhoni's body language was not motivating enough and the captain and coach need to communicate more often with the team to lift their morale.
"I feel Dhoni needs to be even more involved in the game. New coach Duncan Fletcher is not a magician and will take time to settle down," he said.
"According to me, It seemed that no one had any idea in the Indian camp about what was going on. Dhoni did not look too involved with on-field proceedings. I know this has been his style, but when your team is getting thrashed 'Captain Cool' can not afford to freeze! "
"At times, you have to change your style to get the best out of your players. This result should be eye-opener for Dhoni," Akram added.
Solution in spite of the criticism, Akram backed Dhoni and said removing him is not a quick-fix.
"Our cricketing culture in the sub-continent does not support a losing captain, but here is where we need to back Dhoni. He can surely prove the critics wrong in the ODI. While that series will work to India's advantage, Dhoni can pick up his pieces as well, "said Akram
Posted by Ak Reddy
on 10:37.
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