WC 2019: Dhoni should not be compared with Kohli on strike rate, says Bharat Arun

Indian team bowling coach Bharath Arun revealed Ravi Shastri is having a constant dialogue with all the batsmen “including Dhoni” on how to make improvements

Asked if Dhoni has been told about his slow batting by the team management, Indian team bowling coach Bharath Arun gave a somewhat roundabout reply, saying that head coach Ravi Shastri is having a constant dialogue with all batsmen “including Dhoni” on how to make improvements. Dhoni, who came into bat at number five, drew heavy criticism for his slow knock against Afghanistan. The former India captain consumed 52 deliveries for the 28 runs he scored. During the course of his inning, the 37-year-old could manage only three boundaries. But, Arun said Dhoni should not be compared with Kohli on strike rate. "I think Virat Kohli is probably the number one batsman across all formats. So I think to compare anybody to the way he plays is not right," Arun said at the media interaction ahead of the West Indies game on Thursday. "There is a constant dialogue between all the batsmen, the support staff, the batting coach, the head coach -- Ravi Shastri has a constant dialogue with all the coaches. I can't really get into the brass tacks of what we discuss, but yes if I have to answer your question, there is a constant dialogue for us to improve," the former India medium pacer said. He said Dhoni played as per situation in the match against Afghanistan. "I think according to the situation and the condition of the wicket, we were able to successfully defend the total that we put up. And had we probably lost a wicket at that stage (when Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav were batting), then things would have turned out differently. So I don't think it's too much of a concern for us right now," Arun said. In Manchester, India had scored a commanding 335 against Pakistan and Arun is hoping it will be the same against the West Indies on Thursday. "If you look at our first three games, I think we put up some really big scores. And Afghanistan match, the wicket was a little sticky; it was tricky to bat under those circumstances. But I think it's a question of adapting, understanding these conditions and adapting to that," he reasoned. The bowling coach is confident that his seamers will be up for challenge against the hard-hitting West Indies batting line-up led by Chris Gayle. "They do have their strengths. And also it's a big challenge for the bowlers too -- especially when they come after you. But whenever batsmen come after you, if you're willing to look at it deeply, there is a chance in it for the bowlers, and I think that's what our bowlers would be looking to do."