Martin Crowe slams "illogical" MS Dhoni, says should focus on limited overs cricket

MS Dhoni has come under criticism from ex-New Zealand skipper Martin Crowe

New Zealand legend Martin Crowe has slammed Indian captain MS Dhoni for his “illogical” captaincy. Dhoni has made some questionable decisions in the ongoing Test series against England and Crowe believes that his captaincy is the reason why India have been struggling.

Having taken a 1-0 lead in the series by beating England at Lord’s, India lost two Tests back to back and now are in the danger of losing the series.

Dhoni is regarded as one of India’s most successful captains, having achieved number one ranking in Tests, winning the 50-over and 20-over world cups, as well as the Champions Trophy in 2013, but his Test captaincy record, especially overseas, has been appalling.

In his column for Cricinfo, Crowe said, “If he (Dhoni) did back down from Test cricket, India wouldn’t miss his strange, often weird, tactics. His selections are illogical when finding the appropriate balance in picking enough specialist players to out-skill the opposition over long periods. His manoeuvrings on the field as keeper and strategist are too often at odds with what the game situation demands - Ishant Sharma bowling short at Lord’s the exception.”

The ex-New Zealand skipper added that Dhoni preferred the shorter formats compared to Tests.

“He (Dhoni) has said before that Test cricket doesn’t really do it for him. It explains, one could suppose, why he is a resolute and effective limited-overs captain and player. That’s what stirs him. Whether it be the bucks associated, or the pace of the game or both, he is suited to white-ball, coloured-clothes, short-form cricket, and thrives on it. In Tests it’s not the same.”

Crowe was of the opinion that 100 Tests was the next target for MS Dhoni, and he’ll ‘hang on’ for that landmark, like Sachin Tendulkar did for his 200^th Test.

“And now after a long run, 87 Tests to be precise, the question strengthens about how long he can continue like this as a Test player. Will he hang on for the coveted ton, just as Sachin Tendulkar did for the double-ton? Probably,” he said.

According to Crowe, Dhoni would do good to focus on defending the World Cup title next year.

“Dhoni could focus on his defence of the World Cup he brilliantly coordinated and won, back in 2011. With his limited-overs triumphs he shows a completely different energy, proactive and attacking; those are formats where he has to use the bits-and-pieces players he likes so much. He will need all his gumption and pull to do so again, away from home, with a lesser equipped team. It would be a worthy defence if he pulled it off,” he concluded.