By Abhishek Roy, IANS
Gwalior : India’s newly appointed Test captain Anil Kumble should involve Mahendra Singh Dhoni in decision making in the longer version of the game, former Pakistan opening batsman Aamir Sohail says.
“I think Kumble’s appointment as the Test captain is a step forward for Indian cricket. The Indian cricket board had no other option because Sachin (Tendulkar) refused,” Sohail — who is in India as a commentator for the ongoing IndianOil Cup — told IANS.
“This will give Dhoni more time to groom himself as captain. But Kumble will have a dual responsibility now as a Test captain. Firstly Kumble has to lead the side and secondly he should involve Dhoni in decision-making to help the young guy mature,” he said.
Dhoni’s first assignment as captain was the Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa, where he came out in flying colours, as India emerged champion in the inaugural tournament.
But his ODI career as a captain didn’t start on a high note, as India lost the Future Cup to Australia. But Dhoni has made up by winning the one-day series against Pakistan here Thursday, with one match remaining.
“I think he (Dhoni) has done reasonably well as a captain. He should be given more time before anyone jumps to any conclusion. But the best thing about his captaincy is that it is not affecting his batting,” said Sohail.
On Dhoni’s Pakistan counterpart Shoaib Malik’s performance, Sohail said: “I think captaincy is putting a burden on him. That one can clearly make out from his batting performance in this series. He has always performed well against India, but this time he has cut a sorry figure.”
Sohail’s advice for the Pakistan captain: “He should forget about captaincy when he comes out to bat.”
When asked whether this India-Pakistan series lacked the usual intensity between the two archrivals, Sohail opined: “I don’t think there is any lack of intensity in this series. But it is not right to compare with the intensity during our times.
“We used to play once in a blue moon but now a lot of cricket is being played. And both India and Pakistan play each other very often. I think another reason could be that a lot of Pakistani cricketers are fighting for their place in the side and trying to play it safe.”
Sohail went on to add that the absence of Mohammed Asif was not felt in the Pakistan side but the selectors should have included fast bowler Mohammed Sami.
“I think Pakistani selectors missed a trick by not including Sami. He has a good record against India. Selectors should have been creative while selecting the side,” said the former opening batsman.
Sohail seems to have been impressed by India’s new pace attack.
“It is a good sign in Indian cricket. Earlier Indian bowling was dependent on spin but now it is on pace and swing. Three quality fast bowlers in an Indian team during my time was a rare sight. But now it is a tough competition among them as well,” he said.
“Zaheer (Khan) has been the most impressive and the way he made a comeback was really commendable. I also think Sreesanth has a great future.”