MS Dhoni Deserves Respect, Should be Allowed to Take Call on Future as Captain: Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar feels MS Dhoni is still the best man to lead India despite the defeats in the two ODIs in Bangladesh. He though says Dhoni himself is the best man to judge the situation and any knee-jerk reaction should be avoided.
MS Dhoni's captaincy is under the scanner after India's twin defeats in the ODIs against Bangladesh. While the two-time World Champions have conceded the series and have only pride to play for in the final match, Dhoni - the leader - has a lot to prove. Former India batsman Sunil Gavaskar though says it is not fair to question Dhoni's leadership and any decision of continuing or quitting as skipper should be left to him. (Dhoni offers to give up ODI captaincy)
Speaking to NDTV on Monday - a day after India's six wicket defeat against Bangladesh, Gavaskar praised Dhoni for his contribution to Indian cricket. "Dhoni deserves respect. I don't think it is fair to ask him to step aside. You can't take the achievements away from him and he has been India's best skipper by far," said Gavaskar. "Out of sheer respect for him, we should let him take a call on his future as captain of the ODI team." (Former stars oppose Dhoni's move)
A day earlier, Dhoni had rebutted questions which sought to cast a doubt over his captaincy. "Yes, if it is a justifiable thing that if you remove me and the Indian cricket will start doing really well, and if I am the reason for all the bad that is happening to Indian cricket, definitely I would love to step away and play as a player," Dhoni had said after the Mirpur match. (Read full report here)
Gavaskar though said that Dhoni has a lot more to contribute as captain. "I do believe he has got a lot to contribute to Indian cricket as captain. I think these results against Bangladesh have been unfortunate but let's give them the credit for playing superbly," he said. (Five reasons for India's historic series loss to Bangladesh)
The veteran cricketer also highlighted the fact that Bangladesh played an aggressive brand of cricket, which led to the defeats for India. "Bangladesh played really well in the ODIs. They deserve the credit. Dhoni should not be blamed alone if the team failed against a determined opposition," Gavaskar said. (Dhoni not 'Captain Cool' anymore, needs 'yoga': Bishan Singh Bedi)