India lucky to have a skipper like Dhoni: VVS
Former Test batsman V.V.S. Laxman was on Sunday effusive in his praise for India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who led the national team to back-to-back title triumphs at the Champions Trophy in England and the tri-nation series in the West Indies recently.
“His records (of winning all the world titles) speak for themselves. He has that uniqueness to respond to a tough situation with ease. He does not involve himself much emotionally, and that’s his quality. India are lucky to have a captain like Dhoni,” Laxman said here.
The 38-year-old batsman, who had announced his retirement from international cricket in August last year, however, refused to draw comparisons between Dhoni and former India skipper Sourav Ganguly.
Ravindra Jadeja’s emergence as an all-rounder and Shikhar Dhawan’s batting prowess at the top have been two positives for Indian cricket and Laxman feels it’s Dhoni who should be credited for finding a talent like Jadeja. “Dhoni backed him well especially using Jadeja as a bowler. He is also a great fielder and a handy batsman. Jadeja has emerged as a great asset to the Indian team and Dhoni should be complemented,” he said.
On Dhawan, Laxman said: “I mentored him during his stint at (IPL franchise) the Sunrisers Hyderabad. He always had the talent and a change in approach is working well for him.”
Laxman said India, the defending champions and world number one ODI side, are going in the right direction ahead of 2015 World Cup.
“The manner in which we beat England in England (in the Champions Trophy last month) was really commendable. The youngsters should be credited for the performance. It’s a side that’s going in the right direction ahead of the World Cup 2015,” he said.
“He (Dhoni) once again stayed composed yet on the top of his game. I really appreciate the way he’s instilling confidence among the young players.”
Post new comment