Who is Virat Kohli to criticise India ODI captain MS Dhoni?
Although the first ODI series loss to Bangladesh brought forward the frailties in Team India, the strong voices of dissent have been louder than the form of cricketers.
The loss was demoralizing, especially being outplayed by a lower-ranked team in two consecutive matches. The loss became the albatross around India ODI captain MS Dhoni’s neck.
MS Dhoni is not new to the role of being India’s ODI captain, trying to come to terms with the developments around him. He is a seasoned campaigner, and brought glory to his team and country time and time again.
When India gets blanked overseas, particularly in Test matches, the “Sack-Dhoni” chant seems to reach its crescendo. However, the shocking series loss to Bangladesh had left MS Dhoni contemplating leaving the post for good!
Current Test captain Virat Kohli had created a flutter by speaking about a lack of clarity in the team and the players being confused.
"Not too happy with the way we have played. We have been sort of doubtful in our decision-making and that shows on the field."
"I don't need to say it in an interview; our cricket watchers and experts can see it (that) our guys are not sure enough to express themselves. In the first two games, we failed to express ourselves with clarity of mind," Kohli added.
Many feel Virat Kohli publicly questioning the current ODI captain is detrimental to the dressing room camaraderie.
Ravi Shastri echoed Kohli’s sentiments about captaincy when the Indian team director spoke to the media.
There is a huge difference between the approach of Dhoni and Kohli in the way cricket is played and their leadership skills.
Virat Kohli is in-your-face aggressive cricketer, sometimes gets hot under the collar, and provokes incidents that can be avoided.
Kohli is young and his gung-ho mindset may suit his style of play but he has no business being critical of Dhoni, the captain.
Pakistan T20I captain Shahid Afridi was "not happy" in the manner the Indian ODI skipper was being targeted after losing to Bangladesh.
Afridi termed this as "sub-continental trend" where the cricketing heroes are vilified after one odd series defeat.
"I am not saying that one should not analyse the present performance of a leader or a player. Criticise him but when you do that please don't forget to also inform the world about the past.”
“When you look at Dhoni, just look at his record before jumping to any conclusions. He has been such a tremendous player for India. His record speaks for itself," said Afridi.
Ms Dhoni became the first captain to lead India to the ICC World Twenty 20 trophy played in South Africa in September 2007.
He is the second Indian captain after Kapil Dev to have won a World cup.