‘Mahi Bhai Ka Koi Jawaab Nahi’ – Praveen Kumar on MS Dhoni’s Captaincy

Former Indian fast bowler Praveen Kumar has lauded MS Dhoni’s captaincy. Dhoni is regarded as one of the best captains of all time, especially in the limited-overs leg. The former Indian skipper led India to glory in the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy.

India last won a major ICC trophy under the captaincy of MS Dhoni in 2013 when they lifted the Champions Trophy after beating England in the final. Since then, India has consistently made it to the knockout stages of the big tournaments but has failed to go all the way.

Furthermore, Dhoni has also led Chennai Super Kings to five titles in the Indian Premier League, the most along with former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma.

Meanwhile, Praveen Kumar, who was known for his swing during his heydays, said Dhoni was spot on in his field placements as a captain.

Kumar played 68 ODIs taking 77 wickets, while in his six Test appearances, he scalped 27 wickets at 25.81.

“Mahi Bhai Ka Koi Jawaab Nahi. He knew how to use a player and when to use them,” said Kumar on Lallantop YouTube Channel, adding, “he used to set the field and ask the bowler to bowl. And that’s what good captain is, who gives the ball to the bowler and only asks to bowl, then it is up to the bowler to understand what he has to bowl.”

“Yes, as bowler you can of course tell the captain, for instance, where should the slips be placed, a bit wider or not because only the bowler knows after pitching how much the ball could swing, but apart from that he knew it (how to set fields),”

Kumar also played a key role in India’s CB series final win as he returned with impressive figures of 4-46 in the second final against Australia. Sachin Tendulkar scored a match-winning knock of 91 runs off 121 balls in that match.