Michael Clarke lavishes praise on MS Dhoni

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has come out all guns blazing in defence of the beleaguered Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The former Indian captain has faced a huge amount of criticism for his slow strike-rate while scoring during the ongoing edition of the World Cup. Many have called for Dhoni to be axed from the side as his scoring rate invariably halts India’s momentum during the late stages of the innings.

But Michael Clarke has called Dhoni the greatest ever finisher in the history of ODI cricket. Speaking to India Today, Clarke said:

“People haven’t learnt by now to not doubt MS Dhoni. I will say this… over and over and over again. You don’t doubt greatness. And MS Dhoni is a great. He is the greatest finisher to ever play to this game. Right now, India is doing it without MS Dhoni firing. Don’t waste him now. Save him for when India really need him. He might do it in the semi-final, he might do it in the final.”

Dhoni has had an indifferent tournament so far, scoring 223 runs at a strike-rate of only 93, often batting in situations where the scoring rate needs to be picked up. But Clarke has warned the other sides to write Dhoni off at their own peril.

“As an opposition player or captain, you would be so silly to write him off.”

India have already qualified for the semi-finals and will play their last game of the group stage against Sri Lanka at Headingley in Leeds. They will then either face England or New Zealand in the semis.