Curated By: Aakash Biswas
Last Updated: September 19, 2023, 11:00 IST
Gautam Gambhir praises MS Dhoni the captain
Former India opener Gautam Gambhir said MS Dhoni would have batted at No. 3 if he had not led the side
Gautam Gambhir has often been criticized for lashing out at former Indian captain MS Dhoni on public platforms. The former’s indirect digs at the legendary wicketkeeper-batter have often become the talking point, especially on the anniversary of India’s 2011 World Cup triumph. But his recent statement on Dhoni has left the fans amazed as Gambhir heaped immense praise on the former Indian captain.
Dhoni happens to be the only Indian captain to have pocketed three ICC titles. He began his leadership journey with the 2007 T20 World Cup triumph and then went on to win the 50-over World Cup in 2011 and the Champions Trophy in 2013. He also the team to new heights across formats and retired as one of the greatest of the game.
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On Sunday, after India thrashed Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in the Asia Cup 2023 final, Gambhir gave a special mention to Dhoni. Speaking on Star Sports, Gambhir said the former captain would have batted at No. 3 if he had not led the side.
“Because of captaincy, he couldn’t achieve what he could have achieved as a batter. A lot of times as captain you have to keep the team first. If MS was not captain, he could have batted at No 3. I am sure he could have broken several ODI records. He has won a lot of trophies, but individually he sacrificed his international runs for trophies,” Gambhir said.
Dhoni has batted in every batting position except at 8th, 9th & 10th. However, his average as a number 3 batter has been outstanding. In fact, his first ODI ton, against Pakistan in Vizag, came while batting at no. 3 for India.
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India en route to Australia ODIs
After winning a record 8th Asia Cup title, Team India gears up for the 3-match ODI series against Australia in what will be a precursor to the subsequent ICC World Cup 2023. The management has decided to rest Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli for the first two games and Rahul will lead the side with Ravindra Jadeja as his vice-captain. As many as three Asian Games-bound players – Tilak Varma, Washington Sundar and Ruturaj Gaikwad – have also been named in the squad for the first two matches.
