Is Dhoni relying too much on Dhawan?
Opener Shikhar Dhawan came on the scene with a bang replacing flamboyant Virendra Sehwag whose magic had started diminishing. But after some glimpses of match winning innings Dhawan today looks a shadow of his past.
Dhawan, a miserable failure on England tour last year, managed to retain his place in the World Cup after some decent knocks against West Indies and Sri Lanka at home. However he again failed with the bat during recently concluded test series with Australia.
His miseries seem to continue even in the on going Tri series with failure in the first two games.
One wonders how long Dhoni can afford to persist with an opener who is supposed to give India a foundation on which middle order batsmen can post a formidable total.
“He has the faith of his skipper who is hoping for his form's return before the World Cup as his knocks can change the complexion of the game and that's why he might be persisting with him in the remaining matches of tri series, says Yashpal.
However Chetan Sharma holds entirely a different view on Shikhar Dhawan.
“ He (Dhawan) has been given his chances and I think he should be made to sit out till India reaches quarter final. Rahane should open with Rohit Sharma.”
Stuart Binny has impressed with the ball and bat and if Jadeja does not recover in time he may get a look as an-rounder. If he is played in the next game of Tri series and he clicks than Dhoni would be a relived man as far as choices of all-rounders are concerned.
Both the former players are of the strong opinion that Dhoni must play Virat Kohli at number three position as he is more likely to give a start India wants if one of the openers fails.
Going through the paper India does look a good strong batting line up that can throw challenges to the bowlers yet the challenge within is to unleash the talents that reflects on score sheet.