CRICKET
Mahendra Singh Dhoni's six-hitting prowess is still intact and the Indian team management must give him the license to attack from the word go during the World Cup, suggests senior off-spinner Harbhajan Singh.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni's six-hitting prowess is still intact and the Indian team management must give him the license to attack from the word go during the World Cup, suggests senior off-spinner Harbhajan Singh.
A trend shows that Dhoni has been taking the game deep before going for a final assault but his one-time national and current CSK teammate wants him to go back to his big-hitting ways.
"I feel he is at his best when he hits from the onset. Some of his best innings have come when he started the onslaught straightaway. I feel the team management should give him and Hardik Pandya the licence to bat the way they want to. No restrictions, only go for the jugular at No 5," Harbhajan told PTI during an interview.
For Harbhajan, top-order batsmen Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul can build the innings, so Dhoni has the freedom to attack.
But what about his problems in the middle overs when spinners like Mitchell Santner or Nathan Lyon will be operational? "That exactly is my point. The Dhoni of the old would hit a six off the second ball off any spinner and those are big sixes. He should and can still do it as I have seen at the CSK nets. Uske chhakkon mein bahot jaan hai (He still hits mighty sixes)," said the member of the victorious 2011 World Cup squad.
Harbhajan wants Dhoni to have the same intimidating presence that he and Virender Sehwag had some during their best years of international cricket.
"I can tell you how a bowler's mind works. Suppose I am bowling to Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell in tandem, I would be more worried about KP than Bell. I could bowl a couple of dot balls to KP but he had the ability to take me on. Bell, on the other hand, would push for singles. Dhoni like KP can intimidate bowlers. He has that effect," said one of India's greatest spinners.
On the team front, Harbhajan said that there is a bit of worry about the number 4 and 6 slots going into the World Cup.
"I don't see anyone except for KL Rahul fitting into that No. 4 slot. So that's a bit of a worry and also No 6 slot where Kedar Jadhav will play. I hope that Jadhav gets fully fit before the South Africa game (June 5) as it is a very important slot," said the member of the two-time World championship winning team.
Apart from world's best batsman Virat Kohli, the other game changer for India would be Jasprit Bumrah.
"Sachin Tendulkar called him world's best fast bowler at the moment. Indeed he is, for the impact he has created. If you take Bumrah out of that India line-up, it's like you rip a heart out of the body. He is that precious. He is your Virat Kohli of Indian bowling," said Harbhajan.
Harbhajan's four semi-finalists are India, Australia, England, and New Zealand.
Asked why no West Indies or Pakistan, the veteran off-spinner opined, "I am not saying they can't but New Zealand is a team that does well in big events. The best part of that set up is their boys do the basics well on a consistent basis. That makes a huge difference in a big event," he concluded.
Prateik Babbar shares passionate kiss with Priya Banerjee in dreamy wedding photos
Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna’s Chhaava is a historic epic that roars to glory
'India, US stand firmly together in fight against terrorism': PM Modi
Ranveer Allahbadia hires Ex-Chief Justice of India's son as his lawyer, approaches Supreme Court
CanCentra Review 2025: Scam Or Legit Trading Platform? - Canada Facts!
PAFI Kabupaten Gunungkidul Launches Pharmacist Training Program to Elevate Healthcare Standards
Oswal Energies introduces Advanced Clean Energy Solutions at India Energy Week 2025
Top 5 Astrologers in India: Meet the experts who are shaping the future of Astrology
Don't Drown in the Decibels: A Cautionary PSA for Web3 community
BitGo's IPO Ambitions: A Bridge Between Traditional Finance and the Web3 Frontier
'Will sue': Mexico President Sheinbaum threatens legal action against Google over this reason
Urfi Javed gets engaged? Ring ceremony photos go viral, leaves fans speculating
With Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar set to exit, know who will likely succeed him
The curious case of Junaid Khan: What is different about Aamir Khan’s son?
Zeenat Aman reveals what she eats in a day to stay fit at 73: 'I used to feel embarrassed'
Anti-Valentine's Week 2025: Slap Day to Breakup Day, check full list
'Let's wait and watch': Baba Bageshwar addresses Ranveer Allahbadia controversy
Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt give couple goals, look perfect in black suit, red saree: Watch
TraderAI Review 2025: Scam or Legit Trading Platform? - Facts Check!
Vishal Dadlani meets with accident, postpones Pune concert: 'We regret to...'
Mallcom Breaks New Ground: Launches its D2C E-Commerce Store
SHOCKING! Man 'dead' in Mahakumbh stampede returns home on his own 'terahvi', asks family members...
Viral Video: Humpback whale swallows Kayaker, but then something shocking happened
IPL 2025 to start on THIS date, Rajat Patidar's RCB to face reigning champions KKR at Eden Gardens
World richest man Elon Musk gave THIS special gift to PM Modi, has SpaceX connection
'Frankly, I've been...': What US President Donald Trump said about Bangladesh crisis?
PM Modi-Trump's new formula: What is MAGA + MIGA = MEGA?
'His hand was over my...': Bigg Boss 18 fame Edin Rose shares SHOCKING casting couch experience
Meet CEO of one of world's biggest IT firms, who will undergo treatment for breast cancer
No bank holiday on Eid al-Fitr this year? Know reason behind this
Indian doctor claims THIS about paneer, milk, prompts debate on social media, netizens say...
Every home of THIS town owns a private jet, has unique street names, it is located in...
'Delight to meet Elon Musk's family...': PM Modi after call-on by Tesla CEO accompanied by his kids
Meet IAS officer, who cleared UPSC exam after getting inspired by Virat Kohli, her AIR was...
Happy Valentine's Day 2025: Wishes, WhatsApp messages, images, quotes to share with your partner