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

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...