Michael Hussey refuses to buy ‘Dhoni is finished’ theory; says keeper will play key role in World Cup

Former Australian cricketer Michael Hussey has come out in defense of his former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) mate Mahendra Singh Dhoni, refusing to read too much into the legendary wicket-keeper’s poor batting form in England and the criticism that came with it.

Dhoni was slammed by the critics for his slow batting in the final two ODIs against England earlier this month, scoring 37 and 42 at strike rates in the 60s which is very much unlike his normal form. India lost both the matches to concede the series 2-1 after winning the first match.

MS Dhoni and his records etched in glory

The batting form of Dhoni, who led India to two limited-over titles in 2007 (T20Is) and 2011 (ODIs) and has been one of the best finishers the game has seen, was also questioned during India’s tour of South Africa earlier this year. India, however, won both the ODI and T20I series on that occasion to bury the controversy. In England, however, the team’s loss made the criticism sharper and Dhoni was even booed at the Lord’s game.

The issue about the batting became so big that even his magnificent feat of completing 10,000 runs in the ODIs was eclipsed.

But 43-year-old Hussey who made his international debut at a late age of 29-30 and yet went on to serve Australia for a long time, was not ready to judge Dhoni, 37, yet. “It’s just two innings, come on! We know how MS plays – he takes some time in the middle,” ICC News cited Hussey as saying by The Times of India.

“He has got the power to catch up in the end. He plays according to the situation. I wouldn’t be reading too much into it.”

“He has been a great player for such a long time and his experience will play a crucial role in the upcoming World Cup, especially, his ‘keeping skills and his power at the end of the innings. You should never write off a champion player,” the former left-handed batsman said.

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