ICC CWC'19: 'Dhoni's reflexes have not slowed down at age of 37,' says Syed Kirmani

Mumbai: Former India stumper Syed Kirmani does not believe that Dhoni's reflexes have slowed down at the nearing age of 38.  

Speaking exclusively over telephone from Bangalore, he says, "Yes, I'm a little surprised the way cricketers who have played under Dhoni's captaincy have criticized the way he paced his innings against Afghanistan and West Indies|.

"My own view is that Dhoni stepped in at a situation where he had to hold one end unfaltering, keep the innings going and save the slide. If he had continued with his natural aggression, he might in the process have lost his wicket early, and believe me, we would have lost both matches against Afghanistan and West Indies - at least one going right down to the wire".  

"A cricketer's capabilities and talent as we know start maturing between ages 28 to 40 years. With Dhoni it is greatly satisfying to see no perceptible drop in his reflexes and agility behind the stumps, right from the time he started playing for India", he further added.

"With all due respects to the views expressed by my fellow cricketers - each of whom I hold in the highest regard and esteem, I express views which are entirely my own, with no wish to upset or injure the feelings of my fellow cricketers".

"Dhoni's enormous experience and guidance in all aspects of the game is essential to our team's continued progress. He is an exceptionally strong pillar who is holding the Indian team's spirit high", Kirmani signed off.