Dubai: Known as ‘Captain Cool,’ stand-in skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni almost lost it following a couple of controversial umpiring decisions during their Super Four game in Asia Cup on Tuesday evening.
Dhoni, cheered all the way to the crease, was about to open up when he was declared leg before to a delivery from Afghanistan off-spinner Javed Ahmadi for eight. The delivery was missing the stumps, but unfortunately India had used up their review quota.
A little later, Dinesh Karthik, who was all set for his half-century, was given out leg before to off-spinner Mohammad Nabi for 44 to a delivery going down the leg side. On-field umpires Gregory Brathwaite of West Indies and Anisur Rahaman of Bangladesh erred in their decisions as TV replays clearly indicated that the ball was missing the stumps in both cases.
“I don’t want to be fined,” said Dhoni, indirectly hitting out at the umpires.
Dhoni, who has always responded to defeats and victories with a cool head, went on to remark: “There were a couple of run-outs, and a few things we can’t talk about because I don’t want to get fined for it.”
The stand-in Indian skipper is happy with the final result. “We could have been on the losing side because of quite a few things that didn’t go for us, so I’m happy with the result.”
Dhoni then went on to appreciate Afghanistan team’s fighting display. “Afghanistan’s cricket has improved a lot. The way they have continued from the start of the Asia cup, it is commendable and we have enjoyed their cricket. It is one country that has risen through the ranks very well. They played really well. They batted extremely well too. The wicket slowed down later but they bowled extremely well throughout the game and their fielding was tight. The total of 250 was a very good score on this wicket.”
Dhoni also defended his team’s run chase. “I wouldn’t say we went wrong in the chase. To start off, it was like a handicap in golf. We didn’t go with a full-strength side, with not enough spinners for this wicket.”
