Dilip Vengsarkar has stated that the Indian team’s overdependence on skipper Virat Kohli is not a good thing and other batsmen have to perform. The former India batsmen also agreed to coach Ravi Shastri’s comment on Kohli batting at no.4 during the upcoming World Cup in England.
India lost the ODI series against Australia in spite of a good show by captain Kohli in the series where he scored a couple of centuries. He has taken the responsibility of the Indian batting order and a rare failure of him has affected the Indian batting line-up in particular and the team as a whole.
Vengsarkar has spoken about the team’s overreliance on Kohli and also said yes to Shastri’s suggestion saying that if India loses quick wickets in England then the team might have to keep Kohli to strengthen the middle order.
“I agree with Ravi. Because sometimes in English overcast conditions, if you lose early wickets, you may have to preserve Virat for no.4. because he is the best batsman in the world and in fantastic form. India depends heavily on him which is not a good thing because others have to perform,” Vengsarkar told India Today.
The former Mumbai cricketer has suggested that Dhoni can bat at no. 5 or no. 6 in the World Cup and he is someone who can get runs for the side.
“Dhoni can play a very important role. He also has form on his side. He can bat at no. 6 or no.5 whatever suits the team. But he should be able to deliver,” Vengsarkar said.
Kohli is often seen fielding in the outfield during the slog overs in ODI matches and Vengsarkar has criticised the Indian skipper for that saying that it affects Kohli . The former India selector has stressed on the fact that the captain should be present inside the 30-yard circle.
“Captain has to be in the inner circle. You can’t field in the deep and adjust fielding from there. You can see the match better from the circle. If he is going to field in the deep it is not going to help him at all,” explained Vengsarkar.
“Absolutely. You can only field in the deep during the slog overs.”
