Share

Dhoni defends India after SA series loss

Cape Town - India wicket-keeper batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni was questioned over the Test side's disappointing series loss to South Africa.

The Proteas defeated the world No 1 team by 135 runs at Centurion on Tuesday to clinch the three-match Test series 2-0 with one Test remaining.

Instead of bashing the under-fire side, Dhoni decided to look at the positives when analysing Virat Kohli and his charges performance in South Africa thus far.

"I would say look at the positives. To win a Test match you need 20 wickets and we have taken 20 wickets," Dhoni was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.

"If you are not able to get 20 wickets, you can't win a Test match irrespective of whether you are playing in India or you are playing outside. But that is the big positive. We are taking 20 wickets."

READ: AB: Proteas plan to tame 'fighting' India

Dhoni, who retired from Test cricket in 2015, believes that once India start scoring runs consistently then it will become easier for the team to win.

"When we can take 20 wickets, this means we are always in a position to win Test match. Once you start scoring runs, you will be there," said the former India skipper.

Dhoni will be flying to South Africa in a few weeks time as he will likely participate in the six one-day international (ODI) scheduled next month.

However, Kohli and his side still have one more gruelling red-ball hurdle to face when they play for pride in the 'dead-rubber' third and final Test at the Wanderers, starting on Wednesday, January 24.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE