Dhoni go-slow against England stirs Indian fan fury

Published July 1, 2019
India's Mahendra Singh Dhoni plays a shot during the 2019 Cricket World Cup group stage match between England and India at Edgbaston in Birmingham, central England, on June 30. — AFP
India's Mahendra Singh Dhoni plays a shot during the 2019 Cricket World Cup group stage match between England and India at Edgbaston in Birmingham, central England, on June 30. — AFP

Indian cricket fans and pundits on Monday turned on wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni for his poor strike rate in the final overs of his side's narrow 31-run World Cup loss to England.

Chasing a stiff 338, India clawed their way back into contention needing 71 runs from the last five overs of Sunday's game at Edgbaston, with the veteran big-hitter Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav at the crease.

But the pair added just 39, scrambling singles and unable to clear the rope, falling short of the target with five wickets remaining and handing India their first loss of the tournament.

The normally explosive Dhoni was unbeaten on 42 off 31 deliveries.

The Times of India pilloried the run-chase as the "Birmingham crawl" — Edgbaston is in the UK's second city —while Indian social media lit up in outrage at the star's uncharacteristically sluggish approach.

"Disappointing finish. A run-a-ball partnership can't win games," tweeted cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle.

"It's not about winning but it's about showing the intent to win," a fan wrote on Twitter.

Former Indian cricket stars were equally unforgiving.

Sanjay Manjrekar called his approach to the last few overs "baffling", while Saurav Ganguly, a former national team skipper and now a commentator, said he could offer no explanation for his ex-teammate's tame batting.

The loss handed England a lifeline in their pursuit of a top four finish progress to the semi-finals of a tournament on home soil.

Some fans applauded Dhoni for his slow play in the key final overs — England's win has made it harder for India's arch-rivals Pakistan to creep into the final four.

"Well done, Lt Colonel M.S. Dhoni has done a successful surgical strike against Pakistan," tweeted Animesh Yadav, referring to India's violation of Pakistani airspace in February.

Dhoni is an honorary lieutenant colonel in the Indian army.

It is the second time this World Cup that Dhoni has come under fire for batting slowly in the slog overs.

Dhoni's 28 off 52 balls against Afghanistan, prompted criticism from the normally reticent Sachin Tendulkar.

"There was no positive intent," the batting legend said of his former teammate's innings.

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.