MS Dhoni has set very high standards, says former fielding coach

Team India’s former fielding coach Abhay Sharma has come out in praise of Indian limited overs captain MS Dhoni. He particularly had his word of praise for Dhoni’s wicket-keeping credentials. Sharma further said that Dhoni’s match presence is absolutely phenomenal and he is an asset to the team. His comments have come after India’s dismal fielding outing during the ongoing first Test between India and England.

Indian fielders were seen dropping sitters and even wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha let a few opportunities slip out of his hands. Abhay Sharma is himself working out in the gym alot in order to stay in contention for the job yet again. Sharma has been a juggernaut in the domestic circuit. He has successfully led Railways to two Ranji Trophy wins. Speaking about Dhoni in an interview with the Sportstar, Sharma credited the hand-eye coordination of the man from Ranchi.

He said that despite not looking highly attractive behind the stumps, Dhoni still has it in him to do wonders on the field. The way MS Dhoni inflicts a few run outs is absolutely commendable. “Dhoni may not look attractive as a wicketkeeper, but he has got that tremendous hand-eye coordination. Whenever he is flicking or reversing, he is hitting the stumps. In the Asia Cup also he had made a similar run-out and India won,” he said.

Adding further to his word of praise, Sharma quoted that Dhoni has set very high standards for the wicket keepers in the country. “He is always aware of the situation and young ’keepers should learn that from Dhoni. He has set a high standard and the up-and-coming ’keepers should live up to it,” remarked Abhay Sharma.

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When asked if the keepers in the country are good enough, he said that the keepers in the country are very effective. He credited the brilliant work at the grassroot levels for the emergence of talented wicket keepers. “Thankfully, because of the good work at the grassroots level, we have got some good wicketkeepers. Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant and Ankush Bains are very good wicketkeepers. The list is long,” he quoted.
Lastly, he quoted Saha to be the best choice among all wicket keepers in the country. He mentioned Naman Ojha too, but said Saha is doing wonderful with the role at the moment.

“Wriddhiman Saha is there in the Test team and Naman Ojha is around. But Saha is far ahead in Tests. Dhoni will continue, but some day you may find that somebody else is good enough to be a part of the one-day squad. A lot of young ’keepers can stake claim in the coming days,” he conceded.