Kapil Dev backs MS Dhoni, cites Sachin Tendulkar's example over age debate

Legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev on Saturday lent his support to former Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

He cited another legend Sachin Tendulkar’s example after Dhoni was being criticised over his finishing skills by several critics. In fact, he expects Dhoni to play a vital role in the Team India during the T20 World Cup which is scheduled to take place in 2020.

“I do not understand why so many people are on his back after a couple of average performances. Age definitely doesn’t have anything to do with it. Sachin was 38 when we won the World Cup and nobody was saying anything then,” TOI quoted Kapil Dev as saying.

Earlier, Virat Kohli hit back at the critics for "conviniently" singling out one man while ignoring failure of other players, including himself. Dhoni's 37-ball-49 in the second T20 International that India lost to New Zealand was panned by experts as he played too many dot balls.

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While VVS Laxman had said that someone younger should be tried in T20s, Virender Sehwag has asked the team management to make the former skipper understand his "role in the team".

"The guy (Dhoni) is fit, he is passing all the tests. He is contributing to the team in every tactical way on the field. With the bat, he did really well against Sri Lanka (away series) and Australia," Kohli said.

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