I Am Shocked, Says Rohit Sharma On Criticism Faced By MS Dhoni

A day after India head coach slammed MS Dhoni’s critics and backed the veteran to play at least till the next World Cup in 2019, India opener Rohit Sharma has also followed suit. In fact, Rohit said he was shocked to see the former India skipper being criticised.

“I am shocked that this question is being raised. If you look at the recent performances, I don’t understand why people are still taking it. It is not about whether he will be part of the 2019 World Cup, his recent form has been good,” Rohit told India Today.

Well, one cannot disagree with Rohit on this. While Dhoni has played some uncharacteristic innings this year but for the most of the year, he did extremely well. The 36-year old, who began the year with a sublime 134-run knock against England, is the fourth leading run-scorer for India this year in the 50-over format, having scored 788 runs in 22 innings at an outstanding average of over 60 and strike-rate of more than 84.

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Rohit went on to further defend Dhoni by saying that the keeper-batsman does not get the luxury of playing too many balls as the top-order batsmen do.

“It is too far and we should focus on what is happening now. He bats at No. 6 and does not get to play so many balls as some of us at the top of the order,” said Rohit who promoted Dhoni in the recently-concluded T20I series against Sri Lanka.

Watch: Rohit Sharma’s Animated Gesture To Promote MS Dhoni In The Batting Order

The right-handed batsman also defended Dhoni for the knock in the T20I against New Zealand in Rajkot which made him face widespread criticism. Dhoni had come to the crease when India needed more than ten runs per over but failed to play according to the situation as India went on to lose the game.

“(Whether he should bat up the order or not) that decision lies with the coach and the captain. I have seen him bat from four to six, and even batted at three in the IPL. That wicket (Rajkot) was tough and we had lost four wickets when he went into bat. People need to look at the game situation before they talk,” Rohit said.

Watch: ‘Santa’ MS Dhoni Dances as Fans Cheer Him On at the Wankhede Stadium

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