ICC World Cup 2019: Sourav Ganguly Backs MS Dhoni To Come Back Stronger

Former India, skipper MS Dhoni, attracted a lot of criticism for his slow innings against Afghanistan as they almost escaped a shocker in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019. Many former cricketers including Sachin Tendulkar came down hard at him, but Sourav Ganguly has extended his support to Dhoni saying that he will bounce back strongly.

Ganguly backs Dhoni to come back stronger

Read More: ICC World Cup 2019: Wasim Akram Hopeful About Pakistan Repeating 1992 World Cup Heroics Against New Zealand

India had a poor start after opting to bat first before skipper Virat Kohli took the onus on himself to score a fifty to lead India’s batting. Despite Afghans bowlers bowling with great authority, Kohli dominated the proceeding. But runs dried out once Kohli got as MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav found it hard to get going against the Afghanistan spinners. The 31-40 overs fetched only 40 odd runs while only 49 runs came from the last ten overs.

Also read: ICC World Cup 2019: David Warner Joins Sachin Tendulkar In Elite List After Completing 500 Runs

MS Dhoni and Jadhav were part of a 57-run partnership for the fifth wicket, but they also played out 84 balls between themselves. Dhoni made 24 off 36 in that partnership while Jadhav scored 31 off 48 balls which slowed down India’s proceedings in the middle overs. While many came down hard at the wicket-keeper batsman, Sourav Ganguly is hopeful that he will bounce back stronger.

“At the end of the day, MSD is a very good batsman and he will definitely prove that in this year’s World Cup 2019 as well despite his sticky form against Afghanistan. Its just one match,” Ganguly said.

Also read: ICC World Cup 2019: David Warner, Aaron Finch Enter Elite List After Consistent Run

However, Sourav Ganguly also felt that there was no positive intent shown during that period. India will have to work hard on that area as the World Cup approaches its business end. India will face West Indies next on June 27 at Old Trafford, and Ganguly believes the middle order will produce a good show.

“I felt slightly disappointed, it could have been much better. I was also not happy with the partnership between Kedar and Dhoni, it was very slow. We batted 34 overs of spin bowling and scored 119 runs. This was one area where we didn’t look comfortable at all. There was no positive intent,” Ganguly concluded.

Read More: ICC World Cup 2019: Virat Kohli In Line To Break Sachin Tendulkar And Brian Lara’s Joint Record