Dhoni’s honeymoon period over: Waugh by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:

MS Dhoni, SR Waugh

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DateLine: 20th June 2009

 

Former Australia skipper Steve Waugh said that the time has come for Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni to take a little break and re-assess the responsibilities as a skipper in the next season.

 

The former Australian captain is in India to launch the Indian chapter of the Steve Waugh Foundation. The foundation works to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children suffering from rare diseases.

 

Waugh said the best cure for the Indian captain was to keep himself aloof for a few days before concentrating on the job on hand.

 

“Dhoni’s honeymoon period is over,” was how Waugh chose to describe the end of the Indian captain’s good run.

 

Waugh also spoke about the premature exit of both India and Australia from the T20 World Cup in England.

 

“It was quite clear that Australia and India were not sharp enough. In this format, all the teams are quite close to each other. There will be surprises. The team that is not sharp, will lose,” he said.

 

On the upcoming Ashes, Waugh said that though the Kangaroos no longer enjoyed the aura of invincibility but they still are favourites.

 

The right-handed batsman also spoke on the subject of security in India and said that Tennis Australia should have played their Davis Cup fixture in Chennai.

 

“My view is, India is a very safe country. I think Tennis Australia should have played their Davis Cup match (at Chennai).

 

When asked about his name making the rounds as the next coach of IPL franchisee Kolkata Knight Riders, Waugh made it clear that he did not have the time to take up the job.

 

“I can’t say about the future but today, it’s not my priority,” said Waugh.