The return to form of M. S. Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh is a good sign as India slots the higher gears and dreams about the perfect synthesis of POTENTIAL AND PERFORMANCE in the ICC Champions Trophy at England in June. Incidentally the stakes are truly high as the Men in Blue are the defending champions. If the old order seems to be in fine fettle, more alluring is the cool-head and rapid-shots that Kedar Jadhav brings to the table.
When M. S. Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh turnedthe clock back with individual centuries and a 256-run fourth-wicket partnership against England in the second ODI at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium, in an inverse way, Indian cricket was looking ahead. It was heartening that the batting feast came close on the heels of Dhoni putting an end to the dichotomy in the captaincy stakes by stepping down as India’s ODI and Twenty20I skipper.
The former captain thus effectively paved the way for Virat Kohli to be the supreme leader across all formats. Equally splendid was the assurance and aggression that Dhoni and Yuvraj exemplified in their stints at the crease. The two, in their mid-thirties (35 to be precise), showed that there is enough strength in their sinews and their skill-sets haven’t waned yet. Most importantly, they proved that they can be fine foot-soldiers while Kohli held the reins.
It is a good sign as India slots the higher gears and dreams about the perfect synthesis of potential and performance in the ICC Champions Trophy at England in June. Incidentally the stakes are truly high as the Men in Blue are the defending champions. The current squad holds promise while some like Rohit Sharma, recuperating from a surgery, is expected to make a comeback and bolster the unit.
FOR STARTERS, the most pleasing news would be Kohli’s constant progress and his berth in the pantheon of great limitedovers players is now assured. In a podium that has the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Sir Vivian Richards, Kohli is a worthy addition. Besides Kohli, Dhoni and Yuvraj’s return to form augurs well. When in fine fettle, the troika of Kohli, Dhoni and Yuvraj can inflict the worst migraines to the best of rival attacks.
This story is from the February 4, 2017 edition of Sportstar.
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This story is from the February 4, 2017 edition of Sportstar.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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