Former Enlgand wicket-keeper, Paul Nixon, believes that Indian Captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni is suffering from a sore hand, which has affected his overall performance.
Apart from the mediocre outings with the bat where the player could only muster two half centuries in 4 Test matches, Dhoni’s glove work has also been criticized after some high profile errors.
His indecisiveness on several occasions in the Test series affected the slip cordon as well, which is quite uncharacteristic of the player.
However, Nixon, a veteran glove-man himself, said that he has closely watched Dhoni and from what he gathers, it’s definitely a sore hand which is affecting his keeping.
"He normally catches the ball strong and aggressively. I have seen him keeping the ball in an exaggerated manner. You do that as a keeper when your hands are sore,” Nixon said.
The Englishman also had words of support for the Men in Blue's leader, who has the added pressure of captaining the side, which makes it difficult for him to give more time to his keeping. Nixon though said that it is up to the senior players in the side to make sure that he focuses on his core job.
“That is when you need good guys around you to say, 'come on, let's go and do a bit of (keeping).' Because most times you sacrifice yourself and say, 'I will be alright,' and that is the type of character Dhoni is. He is a giver and a magnificent character."
Nixon is inspired by the player and hopes to advise him, when the two sides play in a practice match tomorrow. The 40-year-old helped Dhoni, in 2007, when India last toured England by recommending him to adjust certain body movements, which was quite beneficial for the player.
However, this time around the Asian contingent has been outplayed by a ruthless English side, which has led to many question Dhoni’s generally composed attitude.
However, he still remains calm and collective but deep inside a series whitewash would hurt any man who plays with pride.
Now the next task will be a tough limited over series and it will be up to Dhoni to silence his critics with the bat, the glove and as the leader of a team which needs to step up and back the skipper.
Apart from the mediocre outings with the bat where the player could only muster two half centuries in 4 Test matches, Dhoni’s glove work has also been criticized after some high profile errors.
His indecisiveness on several occasions in the Test series affected the slip cordon as well, which is quite uncharacteristic of the player.
However, Nixon, a veteran glove-man himself, said that he has closely watched Dhoni and from what he gathers, it’s definitely a sore hand which is affecting his keeping.
"He normally catches the ball strong and aggressively. I have seen him keeping the ball in an exaggerated manner. You do that as a keeper when your hands are sore,” Nixon said.
The Englishman also had words of support for the Men in Blue's leader, who has the added pressure of captaining the side, which makes it difficult for him to give more time to his keeping. Nixon though said that it is up to the senior players in the side to make sure that he focuses on his core job.
“That is when you need good guys around you to say, 'come on, let's go and do a bit of (keeping).' Because most times you sacrifice yourself and say, 'I will be alright,' and that is the type of character Dhoni is. He is a giver and a magnificent character."
Nixon is inspired by the player and hopes to advise him, when the two sides play in a practice match tomorrow. The 40-year-old helped Dhoni, in 2007, when India last toured England by recommending him to adjust certain body movements, which was quite beneficial for the player.
However, this time around the Asian contingent has been outplayed by a ruthless English side, which has led to many question Dhoni’s generally composed attitude.
However, he still remains calm and collective but deep inside a series whitewash would hurt any man who plays with pride.
Now the next task will be a tough limited over series and it will be up to Dhoni to silence his critics with the bat, the glove and as the leader of a team which needs to step up and back the skipper.
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