Why a Dhoni-less team is a blessing in disguise for India

Tags: India tour of Australia 2014 -15, India, Australia, Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Published on: Nov 25, 2014

Can you remember the last time India went into a Test match without their permanent skipper MS Dhoni?

Canyou remember the last time India went into a Test match without their permanent skipper MS Dhoni? Perhaps, we need to go all the way back to the last tour of Australia, when the Indian wicket-keeper had to skip one Test due to an injury, and Virender Sehwag had to step in for that game. One of the reasons why one distinctly remembers that Dhoni had missed a match during the 2011 Aussie tour is because the Indian captain always makes it a point that he wasn't in charge during one of the games as India tumbled in Australia as thus the 8-0 score line of England-Australia combined shouldn't be put against his name.

Dhoni's way of thinking says a lot about his negative attitude towards leadership. As a captain, he should accept responsibility for the team's debacle. Whether he is leading the team in a particular game or not is a totally different, and completely trivial matter. Even as India have kept losing Test after Test under him, he has maintained that India is learning and improving. Unfortunately, but for the rare Lord's win, much hasn't reflected in the results. Dhoni may be a shrewd thinker in the shorter version, but his limitations while leading in the five-day gave have definitely come to the fore. Even his batting during this period hasn't be satisfactory, which again raises questions about his place in the team.

The legendary Ian Chappell has minced no words while stating that Dhoni is well past his sell-by date as far as being Test leader and wicket-keeper is concerned. If only some of our Indian greats could also speak some harsh but true words in regards to how Dhoni has become a liability to the team, it would become easier for the selectors to take a call on him as far as his Test future is concerned. This is India though, so expect the mediocre situation to continue. It is not surprising then that even the legendary Sunil Gavaskar has batted for Dhoni to remain at the helm of Team India in Tests in spite of his terrible record. Some things in Indian cricket will never change it seems.

While Dhoni has been appointed captain for the Australia series, it will be Virat Kohli who will be leading India in the first Test at Brisbane as the permanent leader is recovering from injury. Under normal circumstances, this should be a setback for the side, but considering the manner in which India have struggled under Dhoni, it could actually be a blessing in disguise. Although it is only one Test, how India fares under Kohli at Brisbane would be a guide to the future. This is why the selectors must keenly follow Kohli's progress in the Test. Although it is only a solitary Test, the match could still deliver some hints as to what Kohli has to offer as leader.

Now,although Dhoni remains the leader of the team, India shouldn't hesitate to retain Kohli as captain if he actually does well at Brisbane. Rigidity shouldn't be at the expense of the team's betterment. It may sound like a bridge too far, but if Kohli manages to lead India to victory in Brisbane, would it be fair to replace him as skipper for the next game? Wouldn't that affect the stability of the side? In such a scenario, it would be best if Dhoni himself steps aside and allows Kohli to take over. Dhoni can take a leaf out of Anil Kumble's book, who decided to give up his captaincy once he realised that Dhoni was well-equipped to take over. Is expecting the same from Dhoni a bit too much?

--By A Cricket Analyst

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