Dhoni: Important to have more all-rounders

India T20 skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said he was pleased to have a few all-rounders in his line up, and was happy to have batsmen who can bowl a bit, rather than the other way around.
India beat Australia by 37 runs in the first T20 on Tuesday, with Virat Kohli's half century putting enough runs on the board, and then India's death bowling preventing the Aussies from reaching the 189 required.
Hardik Pandya, on debut, had a nightmare with the ball, conceding 19 runs in his first over and bowling a string of wides. His batting is his stronger suit, and Dhoni said that he liked having a slew of bowlers to pick up the slack.
Dhoni said after the match: "Allrounders are important. If Hardik doesn't bowl me four overs in every game; even if he gives two overs or three overs, I can still use others.
"What I don't want is top five or top six batters, including the keeper, where you don't have a bowling option. If somebody goes for runs, you don't really know what to do.
"In this format, you will have bowlers going for runs. At that time, you want your part-time allrounders to come in and give you that one over because that one over can help.
"We will wait and watch how it goes. I think it's important to have players like Yuvraj Singh who can bowl and bat, Suresh Raina, who can bowl and bat.
"Because if you have too many one-dimensional players in your top order it becomes really difficult when someone has a bad day."
Of Hardik's debut, Dhoni added: "When it comes to international cricket it is all about handling the pressure.
"Once you are given the ball, there is some pressure on you because it's your first game and you don't know what kind of bounce is there or what kind of pace is there. There would be some kind of pressure.
"After the first over I knew the second over would be better. I was happy with the second and third over. Still he [Pandya] will have to be more consistent with line and length.
"That will give me a lot of confidence to consistently play him as the third seamer when the need arises."
Latest
-
News
Brendon McCullum on the verge of being named England men’s Test coach
The New Zealander could be confirmed in his new role this week.
-
News
Harry Brook eager to press England claims against ‘best ever’ James Anderson
The Yorkshire batter is relishing the chance to take on the Lancashire seamer in this week’s Roses match.
-
News
Ex-NZ captain Brendon McCullum favourite for England Test coach role – reports
The 40-year-old is said to have been interviewed for the position.
-
News
Henry Nicholls doubtful for New Zealand Test opener in England after calf scan
The middle order batter will make the trip to England for the three-Test series but could miss out on the first Test at Lord’s.
-
News
Brendon McCullum emerges as leading contender for England Test coach – reports
The 40-year-old is said to have held talks with the England and Wales Cricket Board and is believed to be interested in the job.
-
News
Former England batter Graham Thorpe ‘seriously ill’ in hospital
The 52-year-old had accepted the job of Afghanistan head coach following his departure from the England set-up after this winter’s Ashes.
-
News
CSA drops charges of gross misconduct and racism against head coach Mark Boucher
Boucher said the allegations “were unjustified and have caused me considerable hurt and anguish”.
-
News
Luke Wright to take up short-term role on New Zealand coaching staff
Wright was part of Paul Collingwood’s T20 World Cup-winning side in 2010 and played 101 white-ball internationals for his country.
-
News
Holland head coach Ryan Campbell discharged from hospital after cardiac arrest
The Dutch Cricket Federation (KNCB) say tests have ruled out a heart attack as the cause of the cardiac arrest.
-
News
Essex draw with Yorkshire as Sir Alastair Cook scores century in both innings
England’s leading Test run-scorer finished unbeaten on 102 at Chelmsford.