Virender Sehwag believes there can’t be a better ‘mentor’ than MS Dhoni when it comes to young players, who need someone to guide them as they try to express themselves.
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Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag believes that the involvement of MS Dhoni in the role of a mentor for the upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup, could well benefit the Indian team to a massive extent. Sehwag played under the captaincy of Dhoni for a decade and enjoys a strong understanding about the cricketer’s strengths as a captain. The popular former cricketer believes that there cannot be a better ‘mentor’ than Dhoni when it comes to young players who often need a guide to help them express themselves on the field.
“I am very happy that MS accepted the offer to be the Team Mentor for the T20 World Cup. I know many people want that MS should again comeback into the mainstream of Indian cricket and being roped in as the mentor is the best thing that could have happened,” said Sehwag in an interaction with PTI.
“As a keeper, MS was exceptional with his understanding of field placements and this is something that will help the bowling unit in this World Cup. The bowlers can pick his brains and get useful tips on planning against a batsman. There are always players in any international side, who are shy and do hesitate to go up to their skipper and strike up a cricketing conversation. MS has always been that kind of a person who is easily approachable and also a perfect trouble shooter for youngsters,” he added.
Sehwag believes that the second half of IPL 2021 could well result in the late addition of quality performers, into the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup.
“100%. We have around seven matches minimum left for the teams. That means you still have a platform to perform and those who are on the fringes could still impress the Indian selectors who would be watching the tournament closely. Since ICC allows a window to change teams, I will not be surprised if there are some changes in the original squad,” he said.
The former Indian cricketer further stated that Kohli owes an IPL trophy to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) considering the massive fan following he enjoys.
“IPL is important for every captain but I think more so for Virat as with his huge fan base, everyone wants Virat to win a trophy for the Bangalore franchise. If not multiple times then at least once in his tenure as captain. This has been a strange year off the field due to pandemic and who knows it might be a different year for Bangalore from previous seasons and they go on to win the trophy,” he said.
Sehwag termed Delhi Capitals (DC) and defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) as favourites to win the IPL 2021.
“Since the second half has been shifted to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I think Delhi and Mumbai will again be favourites and the five-time champions are slightly ahead. Chennai’s average score in India was 201 during the first phase but I think when it comes to UAE tracks, they would be lacking a bit in batting firepower. If I have to pick one team, that will be Mumbai.”
Sehwag further named the players he would be looking forward to watching over the next four weeks.
“My first choice will be Ishan Kishan followed by Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul and Sanju Samson. These four I will be intently watching. I have loved Devdutt’s batting and if I have to pick one amongst the four, he is my man. Who knows, if he does well, he might be drafted in as that Indian top-order for the T20 World Cup,” he stated.
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