Ashish Nehra comes out in support of MS Dhoni

Nehra also criticized comparison between Dhoni and current Indian team captain Virat Kohli.

New Delhi: Amid heavy criticism for his inability to rotate the strike in the 2^nd T20I, MS Dhoni has found backing from Ashish Nehra.

Former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra, who recently retired from international cricket, has said that Dhoni should be allowed to play as long as he wants and as long as his body allows. He also sees Dhoni playing theT20 World Cup, 2020.

”In every house, you need an elder one and he is there. I hope till next two to three years or as long as his body allows he plays,” said Nehra during an interaction with media channel.

Dhoni’s 37-ball 49 in the second T20 in Rajkot against New Zealand, made him come under scrutiny as he struggled to rotate the strike and more than 30 of his runs came after the match was almost dead. India fell short by 40 runs while chasing down 197 on a flat track.

However, Nehra has said that if would have been a captain, he would have made Dhoni play for another two or three years.

Cricket is a game of conditions definitely and it is not easy to perform. If it was in mind or if I am coach or captain I will be on his head that he has to play. I am not saying he doesn’t perform he has to play. He is the first guy who will raise his hand and say I am retiring if he is not performing. But I personally feel we should leave at MS Dhoni and let him play cricket,” Nehra added.

The 38-year old also added, “He is one guy who is very honest with himself and the country. So, he should definitely play. I see him even to play T20 World Cup in 2020. If I can be a fast bowler at the age of 39. So, with MS Dhoni and his fitness, he can definitely play,”.

Nehra also criticized comparison between Dhoni and current Indian team captain Virat Kohli. He said that they both are two different personalities and hence there should be no comparison between them.

Nehra’s comments came after Dhoni came under heavy criticism from former India cricketers.