Difficult to set fields for batsmen like Gayle and AB De Villiers says MS Dhoni

Difficult to set fields for batsmen like Gayle and AB De Villiers says MS Dhoni: Indian captain MS Dhoni in his usual calm and composure sat out in front of the media in the pre match interactive event. When a question about Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers was popped to the Indian skipper in the press conference ahead of their match against West Indies, Dhoni said that it becomes very difficult for captains to set fields when the likes of Chris Gayle and AB De Villiers go after the oppositions bowling attack.

“Frankly speaking, you can’t do much because if the individual is hitting sixes as you can’t have fields for it. More often than not, you’ll lose the battle of short-pitched deliveries, if they hit you off the short-pitch stuff also. There’s not much you can do.” He said.

MS Dhoni’s comment comes after Chris Gayle’s record breaking 215 against Zimbabwe and AB De Villiers smashed a 66 ball 166 against West Indies on Friday.

He also said that it is very necessary to convert the half chances into full ones while playing against the players of such outstanding abilities.

Dhoni said “That’s where I feel the bowler will have to take that extra initiative and they have to be backed well by the fielders because if you have a 50/50 opportunity and if you grab that, it will really ease up the pressure from the fast bowlers or the spinners. I think as a unit you have to hunt in pack.”

The Indian captain also stated that you cannot have fixed plans in order to stop such batsmen. The bowlers must take the take charge of the situation and try different things to outsmart such batsmen.