Former Indian captain Dilip Vengsarkar questions MS Dhoni's fitness and Sachin Tendulkar's two-pitch theory
Former Indian cricketer Dilip Vengsarker questioned the fitness of current ODI and World Cup winning captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni about his fitness. That’s not all, he also criticised the Sachin Tendulkar’s view of implementing a two-pitch theory in Ranji Trophy games.
Dhoni played his last test in December 2014 in Australia, making a surprise exit from the longer format in the middle of a test series. Since then, Virat Kohli has been India’s captain in Tests while Dhoni still leads the “Men in Blue” in limited overs cricket. England is trailing by 0-2 in the on-going test series with two matches still to play, which will be followed by three ODIs and three T20 Internationals.
As per the reports of mid-day.com, Vengsarker said, "Dhoni has retired from Test cricket. He also doesn't play Ranji games. So how does he keep himself match-fit? One needs to play regularly to stay match-fit. It's ironical that Dhoni isn't doing this."
Earlier, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar had suggested that a two pitch system should be introduced in the Ranji Trophy to help Indian players get used to the kind of pitches and conditions found in West Indies, New Zealand, Australia and England.
Tendulkar statement regarding the matter said, "I have a suggestion which can be radical. Let us have the first innings on a green top with kookaburra balls which would give openers a challenge. Now let there be a pitch adjacent to the green top which would be a rank Turner. Now the second innings will be played on that track with the SG Test ball”
Also read: Sachin Tendulkar wants Ranji Trophy to be played on two different pitches
Dilip Vengsarker, who is also currently the President of Mumbai Cricket Association, said that the proposal was ‘impractical’, and would not help the bowlers at all. "How will this happen? If you play the first innings for two-three days on a green top and then shift, how can you predict if the ball will turn on the other pitch? And how will this help the bowlers? No, it's not practical,” remarked Vengsarkar.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is likely to be back in the Indian national squad for the upcoming ODI and T20 series and will be interesting to see how he keeps up with his teammates after being out of International cricket for a couple of months.
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