Dhoni is India's half captain, Kohli needs him: Bishan Singh Bedi

Former skipper Bishan Singh Bedi termed the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman ‘half a captain’ and questioned the decision of resting him for the rest two games

India faced an unexpected defeat against Australia on Sunday in Mohali as they failed to defend a 350-plus score for the first time in this format. They committed numerous mistakes while fielding which the Aussies cashed upon to level the series 2-2.

The on-field scenario depicted that the men-in-blue truly missed MS Dhoni who has been a guiding light for them even after stepping down from the captain’s post. Agreeing to this fact, former skipper Bishan Singh Bedi termed the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman ‘half a captain’ and questioned the decision of resting him for the rest two games.

“I am nobody to comment but we all are wondering that why Dhoni is being rested and his absence was felt yesterday, behind the stumps, with the bat and on the field also. He is almost half a captain,” said Bedi.

“Dhoni is not getting any younger, he is no spring chicken either but the team needs him. He has a calming influence on the side. The captain needs him by his side, he is visibly rough without him. It is not a good sign,” he added.

Bedi also the need for resting Dhoni and giving Pant an opportunity with the series very much alive.

“Pant is a wild horse. Somebody has to tame him. Who is going to do that? The support staff should be able to do that. He is making the same mistakes again and again and behind stumps, too, he has a lot of work to do, honestly. Your chairman of the selection committee (MSK Prasad) is a wicketkeeper, you talk to him at least,” said Bedi.