LONDON – Mahendra Singh Dhoni was booed by the Indian supporters at theLord’s during for his slow batting during the team’s 86-run defeat againstEngland in the second game of the three-match series.
On a day when he crossed the 10,000-run milestone in ODI cricket, Dhoni waswidely criticised for not showing initiative in his 58-ball 37 as Indiacould only manage 236 in 50 overs after England posted 322 for seven.
However, Indian captain Virat Kohli came to the rescue of under-fire formerskipper.
*Virat Defends Dhoni*
When former England skipper Nasser Hussain asked the question about Dhoni’sapproach, Kohli didn’t look amused.
“This thing comes up again and again when he’s not able to play the way hedoes,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
“It’s unfortunate that people jump to conclusions quickly. When he doeswell, people call him the best finisher ever, and when things do not gowell, people pounce on him,” the Indian captain seemed trifle irritatedwith knee jerk reactions from fans and critics alike.
As he has done umpteen times, Kohli defended Dhoni.
“The idea was to take the innings deep. He has the experience but sometimesit doesn’t come off. We totally believe in him and the ability of all theplayers,” the skipper said.
With less than a year to go for the World Cup, Dhoni is very much in thescheme of things of the Indian team management for his vast experience andability to read any match situations.
However, his waning abilities to carry the team alone in pressuresituations at times has come under scanner.