World Cup 2019: 3 Indian Players for whom time is running out

#3 M.S. Dhoni

M.S. Dhoni facing tough times

This is one name most of the Indian fans wouldn’t want to see on this list. But things have changed dramatically for the worse for Dhoni in the last couple of months. So much so that Dhoni is now a doubtful starter for the World Cup.

There is no doubt in any one’s mind that Dhoni is the best wicket-keeper the country has ever produced. It is his ever-reliable finishing batting skills which deserted him at the most inopportune time with the World Cup fast approaching. It has now reached a stage where Dhoni’s wicket-keeping and DRS skills alone won’t help him to retain his place in the team.

Dhoni must fire with the bat immediately to survive the onslaught of his detractors who are calling for his head. It is really a pathetic sight for the Indian fans to watch Dhoni prodding and scratching on the batting crease.

In the last 10 one-day innings, Dhoni has scored 225 runs at a poor average of 28. His 225 runs came off 334 balls at a strike rate of 67. This is against his career average of 50 and career strike rate of 88. This is where exactly the problem lies with Dhoni. In recent times, Dhoni is unable to score runs quickly, rotate strike and to finish off matches. Even his body language at the batting crease is not positive.

The earlier remarks made by Dhoni against ageing veterans who were at the fag end of their careers has now come back to haunt him. Now Dhoni is in a similar situation and is unable to react to it. The team management on its part has been very kind to Dhoni. They even promoted Dhoni to Nunmber 4 position to allow him to settle down and play more number of balls. But Dhoni failed to respond and didn’t score even a single 50 in his last 10 innings.

The induction of Rishabh Pant into the One-Day squad has complicated matters further for Dhoni. It is now perform or perish for the former skipper. He has to somehow reinvent his batting form immediately to save his career. Perhaps a dare-devil approach might help Dhoni in reinventing his old batting form.

The team management is also wary of dropping Dhoni from the team before the World Cup. Imagine the backlash they would be subjected to in case of any reverse in the World Cup in the absence of Dhoni.

While the whole world watches in anticipation, it is now up to Dhoni to have a final heave at his career. It is now time for the gloveman to hit out or get out.