MS Dhoni has won India many matches: Dav Whatmore

63-year-old Dav Whatmore has come out in support of under-fire MS Dhoni, who was criticized after India’s loss in the 2nd T20I against New Zealand in Rajkot. Whatmore, who was once an aspirant to the Indian coach’s job is now working as the coach of the Kerala cricket team. The Australian feels that Dhoni is here to stay and added that the former Indian skipper is a match-winner.

Whatmore, who has played seven Test matches and a lone ODI for Australia, said that if Dhoni tries to be too aggressive with the bat and go for big hits from the first ball then there is high possibility of him getting out. Recently, former Indian pacer Ajit Agarkar questioned Dhoni’s place in the side.

Agarkar is basically reporting the game: Whatmore

“I did not see the (Rajkot) game but I read (Ajit) Agarkar, what he was thinking. I didn’t read what VVS Laxman said. What they’re saying is basically reporting on the game. If Dhoni tried to hit from ball one, he would have got out. This guy has won you matches!” Whatmore told Hindustan Times.

Dhoni has won matches for India: Whatmore

The former Sri Lankan World Cup winning coach also said that the transition will take it’s own time and the younger ones can be drafted slowly.  “It is a bit premature but if you’re looking at the future to infuse and slowly bring in young players, that makes perfect sense. They were not happy with that particular innings but that’s just one game. This guy has played a lot of good ones. No one likes to lose but it happens.” he added.

India will now lock horns with then Sri Lankan team in a Test series and Whatmore feels that it will be a tough task to beat the hosts at home.