Last Laugh: 'Before' and 'After' from armchair pundits; and, advice for Agarkar from Dhoni fans
- By Vidula Menge
- October 14, 2015
OF ALL THE PEOPLE who questioned MS Dhoni’s place in the Indian ODI team, former India bowler Ajit Agarkar was at the centre of receiving the most flak.
Following Dhoni’s first ODI failure at Kanpur, Agarkar had called for the selectors to dissect Dhoni’s role in the Indian team, not just as a captain but also as a batsman. The former cricketer had gone to the extent of hinting the selectors to look at Virat Kohli as his possible replacement in limited overs.
But, to be fair to him, he wasn’t the only one to call for the skipper’s head. Certain ex-cricketers and armchair pundits came out in full force to scrutinise India’s World Cup winning captain, based on a single innings.
Six days later, Dhoni answered all his critics with a terrific knock under pressure in the 2nd ODI, when the rest of the batsmen failed. His unbeaten 92 helped India post a respectable total on the board for South Africa. As usual, Twitter went berserk in jubilation; fans were more than happy to welcome Dhoni back into form. As for the critics, Dhoni’s willow did the talking!
TFG brings you an account of the ‘Before’ and ‘After’ on the MSD saga.
Here's Harsha Bhogle on Dhoni:
In Dhoni's current struggles you realise the enormity of what he was doing. A younger man should be standing up to play that role.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 12, 2015
Like all great sportsmen, Dhoni has to live with being compared to himself at his prime......
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 11, 2015
Dhoni, like all champions, using the bat to reply to insinuation.....
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 14, 2015
Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar expressing his views:
Dhoni the batsman is not firing like he used to is a big reason why Dhoni the Captain is not winning as he used to. Today for example.
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 11, 2015
Dhoni the batsman comes good today. But may still not be good enough for Dhoni the captain. Not enough on the board. Over to you, bowlers.
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 14, 2015
Cricket pundit Ayaz Memon:
Does seem that Dhoni's prowess as a finisher are declining, but I think he is more victim than villain in team's inadequacies to win. Agree?
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) October 12, 2015
For reasons made evident again today, @msdhoni is still my first pick for the India team. Any arguments against that?
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) October 14, 2015
Ex-India Test batsman Aakash Chopra:
Batting in the last 10 is damn tough...but Dhoni will always be judged by his own standards. You pay a huge price for your success 2/2
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 11, 2015
Dhoni, quite selflessly, served Indian cricket by batting at 5-6 over the years...he needs someone else to do this for him now. Anyone?
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 14, 2015
Such are the dynamics of sports commentators. One day, you're not at your best. On another, you're the best! And all it takes is one innings to be on either side of the dividing line.
Luckily for Dhoni, he has the most amazing fans in the world. So when Dhoni got back to doing what he does best, his fans hit back at Agarkar and how!
Find a similar replacement for Dhoni and then lets' talk Ajit Agarkar! Thanks!
— Nikhil Popat (@CricCrazyNIKS) October 14, 2015
Ajit Agarkar spotted selling Fish outside Gateway of India. pic.twitter.com/4tcHIT4QHJ
— Martian Thackeray (@Madan_Chikna) October 14, 2015
Agarkar watching that six. #MSD #IndvsSA pic.twitter.com/0AAc0b2WW1
— Rofl Gandhi (@RoflGandhi_) October 14, 2015
Sorry but I will say, every shot from Dhoni's bat is a slap on Agarkar's face. He only started that irrelevant discussion on Dhoni.. #IndvSA
— P₹akash $inha (@Predicto_Praky) October 14, 2015
Travel advisory for Agarkar after his comments questioning Dhoni's place in the team: Avoid Chennai and Ranchi for a month at least.
— cricBC (@cricBC) October 9, 2015
Ajit Agarkar questions MSD's place in the Indian team. Time for Chetan Bhagat to question Shakespeare's role in literature
— Ra_Bies (@Ra_Bies) October 9, 2015