'MS Dhoni as a captain had clarity about batting position of players' - Virender Sehwag

Former India opening batsman Virender Sehwag has openly admitted to the fact that players were given more chances under the leadership of MS Dhoni compared to the current captain Virat Kohli. Sehwag who played several years under the captaincy of MS Dhoni believes that he always backed the players by giving them enough chances to prove their mettle in international cricket.

The current team management led by captain Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri have recently faced criticism, for not giving enough chances to players in the white-ball format. India were exposed in the world cup semi-finals as they lacked a quality middle-order batsman. Players such as Ambati Rayudu, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer and Manish Pandey were tried and tested to bat in the middle order but none of the players made it to the World Cup squad.

The Nawab of Najafgarh, who was known for his aggressive style of batting has never been shy of expressing his opinions on various digital platforms. After Indian won against Australia in the ODI series Sehwag told Cricbuzz, that even after performing so well in series KL Rahul might not play in the middle order again if he fails in the next few matches.

Virender Sehwag also opined on the batting position of KL Rahul

Rahul batted in three different positions in the series and played a series-defining knock in the second ODI at Rajkot where he scored 80 off just 52 deliveries while batting at number 5. Sehwag told Cricbuzz “If KL Rahul fails four times batting at 5, the team management will change his position in the next few outings. However, same wasn’t the case under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, who knew how important it is to back the players at such positions, having himself gone through the grind”.

He added “ With MS Dhoni as captain, there was greater clarity with regards to each players position in the batting unit. He had an eye for talent and had identified individuals who would take Indian cricket forward”. Sehwag mentioned that he believes the top order has more chances to be successful in ODI compared as compared to the middle-order batsman. The middle-order should be back and enough chances should be given to them by the team management in order to maximise their full potential.

“With the top order finding it easy in the limited-overs format, it is the middle over batsman who needs back from the captain. If you don’t give players, how will they go on and become big players.” He further added “ I myself have batted in the middle order before opening and I made a lot of mistakes, which even resulted in team’s losses. But you don’t become a great player sitting outside on the bench, players need time”.

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