MS Dhoni Needs to Step Up as a Batsman - Venkatesh Prasad

Former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad feels MS Dhoni needs to step up as a batsman following his dismal run in the recent-concluded Asia Cup and tour of England.

Meanwhile, India lifted the Asia Cup trophy beating Bangladesh in the last ball but Dhoni’s performance has come under criticism. He managed to score only 77 runs from four innings and couldn’t increase the scoring rate.

Venkatesh Prasad in his column in TOI hailed India’s performance but came down heavily on the batting of MS Dhoni. However, he didn’t fail to acknowledge his wicket-keeping.

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“At the end of two-week cricket extravaganza in UAE, Rohit Sharma and Co. emerged deserving Asia Cup champions. With the focus on next year’s World Cup, the victory is a big statement of intent by the Indian side. Having said that, it was also a reality check for the middle-order, which still looks fluid.

MS Dhoni will need to step up as a batman. Although Rishabh Pant is waiting in the wings, Dhoni’s wicketkeeping skills remain sharp and a cut above the rest,” Prasad said.

Bangladesh had a praiseworthy campaign

Although the Tigers lost the final, Venkatesh Prasad feels they had a good campaign. Despite a few injuries, they put up a good fight against top plight teams.

However, as per Prasad, Bangladesh need to put in more effort to shine in all conditions.

“Although Bangladesh lost the final, their campaign has been praiseworthy. They fought hard and took the challenge to the opposition camp. There was hunger backed by the spirit. Even after losing two of their key men – Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan – to injuries, they made good use of the resources. Coming to the Afghans, their campaign was promising but the batsmen should put in more work to be competitive in all conditions,” Venkatesh Prasad concluded.