By: Tarish Bhatt
Team India would commence its World T20 preparations with tough series against touring South Africa, with the Captain Cool back into the Blues to lead the side in the limited-overs matches.
South Africa series would be a litmus test for the men in blue, despite playing at home. It would be a challenge for MS Dhoni to lead the young side against the Proteas, but this is not the first time he is under such pressure.
Dhoni is not the only one under pressure, as the BCCI selectors would also be feeling the heat to pick the right combination, when they announce the India squad on September 20.
MS Dhoni hasn’t lost his midas touch
The India captain was in an extended break after Bangladesh series, as he opted out of the limited-overs series against Zimbabwe, and not being part of Test squad owing to retirement.
Despite being away from the field for quite some time now, MS Dhoni seems to be preparing well for the grueling season awaiting for the Indian cricket team in next five-six months.
The Indian captain showed that he is all set for the season, despite not playing competitive cricket, when he played a match-winning knock in the Cricket for Heroes charity match in London.
MS Dhoni looked in midas touch and played his natural game of taking the match to the very last and finishing off in style – hitting the winning runs with a boundaries.
Challenges for MS Dhoni in South Africa series
Another challenge for MS Dhoni would be using the resources against South Africa owing to the length of the series. India are to play three T20s and five ODIs, followed by four Test matches.
It would be interesting to see how well the Captain Cool will be rotating his players in the eight limited-overs matches, seeing there is also a Test series to follow.
