Kumar Sangakkara believes MS Dhoni is still the best at handling pressure situations
Former Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Sangakkara spoke about the upcoming ICC World T20 and Sri Lanka’s chances in that tournament along with hosts India. Sangakkara, who recently retired from international cricket but will be seen in action in the upcoming Masters Champions League (MCL).
He also revealed his views on sharing the dressing room with so many legends of the game in the tournament which will be staged in U.A.E. Sangakkara also praised the Indian limited-overs captain MS Dhoni against whom he lost the World Cup back in 2011. He also backed MS Dhoni to lead India in the upcoming World T20.
When asked about his views on the captaincy policy used by the Sri Lankan team management and now the Indian team also implicating the same, the left-handed batsman chose not to comment on Indian’s policy and admitted that the Lankan team is struggling right now.
Sangakkara said, “I can only talk about the Sri Lankan team. It depends on how the captain rallies his troops and drives his side. If both the leaders can do it with equal measure, then there should not be any issue. Maybe, you might not get the desired results even then but for that you cannot blame the captain alone. However, I always believe the best leader should captain in all formats.”
No one can understand the pressure of captaincy like Dhoni: Sangakkara
The former Sri Lankan captain also gave his view on the ongoing Dhoni-Kohli debate on who should lead Indian in the limited-overs format after the former lost the last three ODI series as India’s captain.
He said, “Dhoni has been the longest-serving captain of a national team, where the game is considered a religion. I believe no one can understand the pressure of captaincy like Dhoni. So he knows it best when to give up on captaincy. And it is a dialogue which should happen between Dhoni and the selectors. Kohli is in amazing form and has matured with time. He is aggressive on the field but knows how to conduct himself. He looks ready for the job.”
No one knows how to handle pressure better than Dhoni: Sangakkara
Taking about Indian chances in the upcoming World T20, the 38-year-old said that he will put his money on India. He also praised MS Dhoni for his leadership and pressure soaking skills.
The former wicketkeeper-batsman said, “Spin will be the key to winning matches in World T20. With India having Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, they will start as absolute favourites. Now, all they need to do is play the pressure situations well. And no one knows how to handle pressure better than Dhoni.”