ICC Champions Trophy 2017 | Yuvraj and Dhoni not the same finishers, says Mohammad Azharuddin
Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin has suggested that MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh are not the exceptional finishers they used to be a few years back citing their long careers as the reason for the same. However, Kumar Sangakkara and Michael Clarke backed up the veteran cricketers' skills.
In an interview today, Mohammad Azharuddin suggested that the duo of MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh do not possess the same firepower as they did in the past.
"They can't be (the same finishers). They have been playing cricket for 14-15 years and playing consistently is not possible. Yuvraj Singh's game is not conducive to England he hasn't done so well since that hundred against England earlier this year," Mohammad Azharuddin said at Aaj Tak's Salaam Cricket 2017.
Yuvraj Singh made his Champions Trophy debut in 2000 and played the following tournament in 2002 when India emerged as the champions. The left-handed batsman also featured in the team in the 2004 and 2006 editions. However, Yuvraj has not been a part of the Indian contingent since then. The 35-year old was dropped from the team because of his poor form in 2013 but the southpaw scripted a terrific comeback to the team earlier this year courtesy of his splendid domestic season.
Yuvraj made a huge impact on his return scoring an impeccable 150 against England in January at Cuttack which included 21 boundaries and three maximums. The innings ended his dry patch of hundreds as it was his first
Contrary to Azharuddin's views, Michael Clarke put his confidence behind Yuvraj stating that the 35-year old would be his choice over Ajinkya Rahane to feature in India's playing XI.
"I'd go with the two most experienced players in Yuvraj and Dhoni. This is their time to really stand up. You do need the mix of youth and experience in the team. But if I have to pick between Yuvraj and Rahane, I would go with the experienced player," Clarke said.
MS Dhoni handed over the reins of the Indian team to Virat Kohli last year but Kumar Sangakkara said that the former captain still had a lot of cricket left in him. The Ranchi batsman played
"MS Dhoni has been a bedrock of support for Steve Smith in Rising Pune Supergiant and for Virat Kohli in the Indian team," Sangakkara said.
"With MS as a wicketkeeper, he brings so much to the Indian side. His role in his own team in the IPL is also very similar to his role in the Indian team. He's not the captain anymore
Clarke had synonymous views as the former Sri Lankan wicketkeeper and suggested that Dhoni is still the best in the game.
"MS Dhoni for me is a no-brainer. You have got to pick him. He was outstanding in the IPL and still capable
India will start their title defence against their fiercest rivals Pakistan on June 4 in Birmingham and are one of the hot favourites to win the tournament.
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