I can see shades of MS Dhoni in Shikhar Dhawan’s calm and composed captaincy: Kamran Akmal

India’s second-string team, or the B team as few experts and critics have dubbed, has produced a dominating performance against Sri Lanka so far in the three ODIs and first T20I match. Led by Shikhar Dhawan, the players have stood up to the challenge and have come out of adversity to win games.

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has lauded team India’s performance and also Dhawan’s leadership style. Known to not show his emotions much while leading the side, the southpaw instead prefers to be calm and composed and let the players express themselves, a method he himself uses in his batting.

The 35-year-old was appreciated by one and all for his leadership abilities during the four white-ball matches in Sri Lanka. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Akmal believes Dhawan’s captaincy style reminds him of MS Dhoni.

“Shikhar Dhawan’s captaincy in the first T20I was really good. The bowling changes and field placings were impressive. Dhawan seems like a cool captain. In fact, I can see shades of MS Dhoni in Dhawan’s calm and composed captaincy. He took excellent decisions under pressure and did not panic even after Sri Lanka got off to a quick start. To win by 38 runs after the Lankans were 20 for no loss after two overs was an excellent effort and, Dhawan must get some credit for it. Of course, the bowlers were also brilliant.”

Shikhar Dhawan hails the spinners for the good performance

Considering the pitch in Colombo will suit the spinners more than fast bowlers, India went in with three spinners, Krunal Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Varun Chakravarthy. The trio bowled well and picked up a wicket apiece and, gave away just 63 runs in their 12 completed overs. The southpaw appreciated the efforts of the trio in keeping the Lankan batters quiet for long periods.

“Sri Lanka were playing well but, we knew our spinners will get some turn. Yuzi (Yuzvendra Chahal) and KP (Krunal Pandya) bowled really well. And even Varun (Chakravarthy), playing his first match.”

India will play the second T20I on Tuesday (27 July). The Men in Blue will try to seal the series by winning the second game, whereas the Lankan Lions will be eager to make it 1-1.