Bengaluru, June 26: India's 1983 World Cup winning wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani has slammed the critics who are questioning MS Dhoni after the ODI series loss to Bangladesh.
India lost 1-2 to Bangladesh in Mirpur in a 3-match rubber recently and skipper Dhoni was blamed for it. However, he has been receiving a lot of support from his team-mates and former cricketers.
Speaking exclusively to OneIndia, Kirmani praised Dhoni for having brought glory to India in all 3 formats of the game. He said those asking for his removal are "petty-minded".
"It is unfortunate that people are questioning Dhoni after the series loss to Bangladesh. They are petty-minded. In cricket, you win few, lose few. You cannot will all the time," the former stumper said, defending Dhoni.
He said it was time to give credit to Bangladesh for having played "exceptionally" well and it reminded him of 1983 World Cup days.
"We have to give credit to Bangladesh. They played exceptionally well. They were charged up in the series as we were in 1983 World Cup. They have progressed well in the limited overs game," he added.
Kirmani said Dhoni had been the man who took Indian cricket out of every crisis. "Whenever the team had been in a crisis, Dhoni has taken them out. He has been one of the most consistent batsmen," Kirmani, who played 88 Tests for India, said.
OneIndia News