Gavaskar doubts Dhoni's fitness levels ahead of New Zealand series

10/15/2016

Legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar feels that Indian ODI captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni would find it difficult to "switch on" against New Zealand in the first ODI in Dharamsala. Despite suffering a 3-0 whitewash in the Test series, Gavaskar predicted New Zealand will fare better in the ODI series.

Little Master Sunil Gavaskar compared Indian skipper MS Dhoni to golfing legend Tiger Woods who found it difficult to match up with fellow competitors when he entered his 30s.

"It will be extremely challenging for Dhoni to switch on. Look at Tiger Woods, it is very difficult to catch up when you are in your 30s," Gavaskar told NDTV in an interview.

According to Gavaskar, Virat Kohli would hold the key if India are to beat the No. 3 ranked New Zealand. The Indian legend also felt that the absence of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja could come back to haunt the hosts.

"Virat Kohli will be key player for India and of course, the bowlers if they bowl the right areas," Gavaskar aid.

Sunny also reserved special praise for former New Zealand star Brendon McCullum stating that the legacy the 35-year-old has left behind will hold the Kiwis in good stead for the future. He also warned India to expect a different New Zealand side despite the visitors being whitewashed in the Test series.

"New Zealand are a very good ODI team. Brendon McCullum has left a terrific legacy. New Zealand will give India a hard time in the ODIs, much harder than the Tests," Gavaskar explained.

"India will beat New Zealand 3-2," Gavaskar predicted when asked about the end result he expected the series to produce.