Twitter Slam MS Dhoni For His Slow Knock Against Afghanistan

MS Dhoni, on Saturday, had a horrific day with the bat against Afghanistan in Southampton. The way Dhoni has performed this year so far, hopes are sky high from him in the ongoing World Cup. However, if his knock against Afghanistan is anything to go by then he is likely to have a disappointing tournament.

Dhoni came out to bat when India lost Vijay Shankar and were reeling at 122 go 3. As usual, Dhoni took his time early on and was playing at a strike-rate well below 100. With the slow pitch not helping Dhoni’s cause either, the veteran batsman just could not get going. He was eventually out after scoring 28 runs from 52 balls. The wicketkeeper-batsman was out stumped off Rashid Khan while trying to up the ante.

Also Read: ICC World Cup 2019: Twitter Reacts As Afghanistan Restrict India to 224 Runs

India, meanwhile, ended their innings on a modest 224 for 8. The Men in Blue, who are still unbeaten in the World Cup, started disastrously as they lost their in-form opener Rohit Sharma for just 1. Mujeeb Ur Rahman castled Rohit with a gem of a delivery. A 57-run stand between KL Rahul and Virat Kohli steadied the ship before the former played a rash shot to get out.

Just like Rahul, Vijay Shankar also got the start but threw it away and departed for 29. Kohli was looking at ease and was scoring freely. However, with Dhoni struggling to get going from one end, Kohli fell for 67 while trying to play a fierce cut. Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav then steadied the innings but could not score freely. Jadhav went on to score his fifty but managed only 52 runs from 68 balls. Hardik Pandya also struggled to bat freely as India finished on a modest total.

The fans, meanwhile, came down hard on MS Dhoni for his uncharacteristic knock and took to Twitter to slam him. Here are some of the reactions:

Undistinguished inning by Dhoni. Struggled against spin, but more importanty, even in rotating rotate strike

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) June 22, 2019

Me watching Dhoni's and Jadhav's batting?#INDvAFG pic.twitter.com/4JhTlS8RvF

— بازلہ? (@imbazilah_) June 22, 2019

Ball to Dhoni and Jadhav – pic.twitter.com/0fjpGNUvAb

— Swagshank? (@zZoker) June 22, 2019

Dhoni in today's match #IndvAfg #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/GZWIY8BIEE

— Hardich pandya (@Harditch) June 22, 2019

One day cricket to dhoni now#INDvAFG pic.twitter.com/9gSHnlfXrV

— Polltracker+analyzer (@Invinci30111984) June 22, 2019

#INDvAFG what Dhoni's watchful innings did to India!!!!
pic.twitter.com/al7ndwlB0S

— Mr Right Winger (@WingerMr) June 22, 2019

Indian fans are waiting for Kedar Dhoni duo to start hitting #INDvAFG pic.twitter.com/CDxVJ9agKV

— Subham (@subhsays) June 22, 2019

Dhoni going back to pavilion after scoring 7(32) pic.twitter.com/GG0DdLJoMz

— Maithun (The Fauxy) (@Being_Humor) June 22, 2019

Dhoni,kedhar,Vijay – most useless middle order India ever had in the last 20 years….

— Name (@iam_suresh_) June 22, 2019

Dhoni surely needs to be talked by Kohli and management. He can't eat balls like that in spin bowling. Absolutely couldn't rotate at all in some phases. Very disappointed as a fan. And on top it getting boeed off by the crowd. Hmmm expected!#INDvAFG #CWC19

— Vignesh (@vk8een) June 22, 2019

Kohli is certainly frustrated. Not the first time with Dhoni at he other end.

— vinodh (@vinodh_mvk) June 22, 2019

After watching 52 ball 28 runs inning?#INDvAFG #CWC19 #Dhoni pic.twitter.com/HglSR91nhF

— Sachin Singh (@Sachin_anshu06) June 22, 2019