Former Australian fast-bowler Glenn McGrath tells of his respect for Indian greats MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar.
With the first Test of the four-match series between India and Australia starting on Friday, it would be fair to say that the Indians are under a certain amount of pressure. Their side were ranked first in the world just two years ago, but now they sit at a very humble fifth.
It can’t be said that the Australian’s form has been much better, however, and they have tried and tested several new players recently in a bid to improve their prospects.
For India, it is established players such as captain MS Dhoni and the ‘Little Master’ Sachin Tendulkar, that are receiving the flack. Bowling legend Glenn McGrath has spoken out against this though, suggesting the pair should be given more respect.
“Dhoni has the respect of all other playing nations. I’ve found him to be a really strong leader. There will be an added pressure on Dhoni but he will be looking to make amends for the England defeat,” McGrath told NDTV.
In reference to Tendulkar’s recent slump in form – he has averaged just under 32 since the start of 2011 – McGrath responded:
“Sachin has earned the right to decide when to retire. He still has the passion for the game.”
Not everyone in the game is as supportive as McGrath however. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly told the The Times of India, that perhaps Dhoni should consider ‘split-captaincy’ and that in the current set-up they are not getting the best out of Dhoni, or the side as a whole.
Both captains will surely be feeling the pressure, in the run-up to a Test series they will both be desperately wanting to win to silence their critics.
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