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Is There Need For Dhoni's Demotion?


A rare feature of the ongoing T20 World Cup has been the lack of quality leadership across big teams; and India’s skipper isn’t an exception to that observation. The man who could do no wrong, turned everything to gold has somehow lost his magic wand somewhere since IPL-4 last year. It could be a bad phase, a few series of running into in-form sides or he is leading a side that is just not good enough; a wise fan would say a bit of all!

What has surprised onlookers has been the lack of shrewd moves or instinctive decisions on field for which Dhoni is reputed for, rather his tactics appear to be in sync with behind-the-scenes boardroom strategies. Is this a recurring trend or some pieces of distinct isolation? Is his street-smart mind running out of ideas? Is the pressure of leading India in all the formats draining him out? These questions have been generated as a consequence.

Those who follow Indian cricket closely should not be surprised by the growing demand for Dhoni’s replacement at the helm of affairs. A part of that call has got to do with India’s early exit (for the 3rd consequent T20 World Cup) and more to do with a Virat Kohli having a sensational run. India had its worst away tours, back to back, but then very few had called for Dhoni’s removal, primarily as they didn’t have a judicious name to propose. Indian cricket has always traced this trend - the one in form is expected to do everything, and the one struggling for it is devoid of any extra assignment!

2012 has been a strange year for Dhoni as a skipper - missing the knock-out bus, literally, by a whisker during the CB Series, Asia Cup and now the T20 World Cup, and when he scrapped through to the knock-outs, he couldn’t beat Kolkata Knight Riders in the finals! This is in complete contrast to what Dhoni-led sides have delivered in multi-national tournaments in the past. They say a captain is as good as his team, and Dhoni’s case over the last 5 years reiterates that.

So if the selectors have to indeed consider Dhoni’s remotion, what are the options? - Probably Gambhir & Virat. Sachin struggled to lead the side, even when he was in prime form, which subsequently resulted in a couple of quite seasons with the bat. Virat could deviate from Sachin’s case, but why risk a career that is shaping up beautifully, especially when there is no emergency situation? Gambhir led KKR brilliantly but a struggling wicket keeper is a better skipper option over an out of form opening batsman.

At the moment the selectors should look for neutral voices and opinions, as the media and public in general have an impulsive way to react towards individuals. Dhoni’s speeches in the past make so much sense that you know that he would speak up once he believes that he is over-burdened. Dhoni is close to become India’s most serving skipper (in terms of number of matches), which could suggest he has reached the par for the length of India captaincy. During his 5-year stint Dhoni has proved to be India’s best skipper material and poor results never questioned his skills, but everything comes with a shelf-life. It would be a decent idea to let Virat or Gambhir lead the T20 side and let him captain the ODI & test side for now. That would allow the second line of players a grooming exercise and keep Dhoni fresh for the formats he has been more successful. To keep Dhoni off heavy workload, likes of Raina could be asked to lead the CSK in the IPL. Statistically and result-wise Dhoni has been India’s best skipper in the history and it is imperative the selectors and the management keep him wrapped up as long as possible.

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