World Cup 2019: Comparing MS Dhoni And Virat Kohli Is Not Right, Says Bowling Coach Bharat Arun

MS Dhoni's slow innings of 28 off 52 balls against Afghanistan was heavily criticised by many former players, including batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar. He was "not happy with the partnership between MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav" and questioned the lack of "positive intent". On a pitch where Dhoni struggled to score freely, Indian skipper Virat Kohli was effortless during his 63-ball stay that fetched 67 runs at a strike-rate of above 100, which led many to compare the two contrasting batting approaches. When asked about this, Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun said Dhoni should not be compared with Kohli on strike rate as the latter is the number one player across all formats.

"I think Virat Kohli is probably the number one batsman across all formats. So I think to compare anybody to the way he plays is not right," Arun said at the media interaction ahead of the West Indies game on Thursday.

Asked if Dhoni has been told about his slow batting by the team management, Arun gave a somewhat roundabout reply.

"There is a constant dialogue between all the batsmen, the support staff, the batting coach, the head coach -- Ravi Shastri has a constant dialogue with all the coaches. I can't really get into the brass tacks of what we discuss, but yes if I have to answer your question, there is a constant dialogue for us to improve," the former India medium pacer said.

He said Dhoni played as per situation in the match against Afghanistan.

"I think according to the situation and the condition of the wicket, we were able to successfully defend the total that we put up. And had we probably lost a wicket at that stage (when Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav were batting), then things would have turned out differently. So I don't think it's too much of a concern for us right now," Arun said.

In Manchester, India had scored a commanding 335 against Pakistan and Arun is hoping it will be the same against the West Indies on Thursday.

"If you look at our first three games, I think we put up some really big scores. And Afghanistan match, the wicket was a little sticky; it was tricky to bat under those circumstances. But I think it's a question of adapting, understanding these conditions and adapting to that," he reasoned.

The bowling coach is confident that his seamers will be up for challenge against the hard-hitting West Indies batting line-up led by Chris Gayle.

"They do have their strengths. And also it's a big challenge for the bowlers too -- especially when they come after you. But whenever batsmen come after you, if you're willing to look at it deeply, there is a chance in it for the bowlers, and I think that's what our bowlers would be looking to do."

India will take on West Indies in their next league match on Thursday in Manchester.

(With PTI inputs)

Topics mentioned in this article

MS Dhoni Virat Kohli World Cup 2019 Cricket India Cricket Team