Mahendra Singh Dhoni was all the time a bowler’s captain in white-ball cricket and his presence as a group mentor for the T20 World Cup will vastly profit Jasprit Bumrah & Co, feels former India opener Virender Sehwag.
Dhoni was just lately named the mentor for the mega occasion by the BCCI.
“I am very happy that MS accepted the offer to be the team mentor for the T20 World Cup. I know many people want MS to return to the mainstream of Indian cricket again and joining as a mentor is the best thing that could have happened,” Sehwag informed PTI in an unique interview.
Sehwag, who performed alongside Dhoni for a decade, knew what his principal energy as a captain was and understanding the psyche of his bowlers within the restricted overs format.
“As a keeper, MS was exceptional with his understanding of field placement and that is something that will help the bowling unit in this World Cup. Bowlers can set their mind and get useful tips to plan against a batsman,” mentioned the explosive opener of recollections.
For Sehwag, there can’t be a greater ‘mentor’ than Dhoni with regards to younger gamers who’re a bit introverted and want somebody to information them as they attempt to specific themselves on the sector. Huh.
“There are always players in any international side who are shy and are hesitant to approach their captain and start a cricket conversation. MS has always been someone who is easy to find and a perfect trouble shooter for youngsters.”
While the BCCI has introduced a 15-man squad with three reserves, Sehwag believes that the ICC has given time to vary groups until October 10, so there might be room for some good performers, who missed the bus.
“100%. We have at least seven matches left for the teams. It means you still have a platform to perform and those who are in the field can still influence the Indian selectors which tournament “Since the ICC permits a window to vary groups, I would not be shocked if there are some modifications within the unique group,” mentioned the Nawab of Najafgarh.
Talking about Virat Kohli, Sehwag mentioned that Kohli owes no less than one IPL trophy to Bangalore as he has such an enormous fan following.
“IPL is important for every captain but I think for Virat with his huge fan base, everyone wants Virat to win the trophy for the Bangalore franchise. If not many times then at least once in his tenure as captain,” mentioned the 42-year-old.
“It’s been a strange year off the field because of the pandemic and who knows it could be a different year for Bangalore from last season and they win the trophy,” Sehwag mentioned.
Like within the earlier version of IPL in UAE, Sehwag once more feels that Mumbai and Delhi are the favorites to win the event.
“Since the second half has been shifted to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I think Delhi and Mumbai will be the favorites again and the five-time champions are a bit ahead,” he added.
Sehwag believes that the pitch in UAE will likely be sluggish and thus Chennai and Bengaluru could face some issues.
“Chennai had a mean rating of 201 in India through the first leg, however I feel they are going to be a bit missing in batting firepower with regards to UAE tracks. If I’ve to choose one group, it is going to be Mumbai.”
He added that for Chennai, after such an extended hiatus, it might take “a few more matches” to calm down and “groove”.
Asked who he’s within the subsequent 4 weeks, Sehwag named 4 batsmen.
“My first selection can be Ishaan Kishan, adopted by Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul and Sanju Samson. I’ll hold watching these 4 rigorously. I like Devdutt’s batting and if I’ve to choose any one of many 4, he’s my man. Who is aware of, if he does nicely, he could also be drafted as that Indian top-order for the T20 World Cup,’ he added.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
