Under-fire India skipper MS Dhoni needs to get everything right in of the fifth and final ODI of the series at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Saturday against Australia, in order to avoid a whitewash.
Dhoni's captaincy, along with his form with the bat, has been one of the hot topics of late, as India have suffered yet another limited overs series defeat under his leadership. But the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain was backed by Australia batting great Michael Hussey, who has played under the Dhoni for quite a few years in the IPL.
Hussey stated that Dhoni still has a lot of fire left in him and he can be as good as any other Indian batsman.
"I would back MS to do the job and he has been doing it for so long now. He is best suited to handle most situations out there. People forget that it is not easy job to do. You cannot just come in and smash 60 off 30 balls every single time," Hussey told reporters on Thursday.
"You have got good bowlers, and they have gotten smarter, and they know what Dhoni's strengths are, so things will not always happen the same way."
India's form in the 50-over format, has been poor since the conclusion of the ICC World Cup 2015. The two-time world champions have played 15 matches, out of which, they have ended up losing nine. Under Dhoni's captaincy, India have now lost five ODIs in a row, the first time that has happened.
Dhoni's form with the bat has also posed a problem. India were well and truly cruising to their first victory of the tour during the fourth ODI at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. Kohli and Dhawan had set India on course for victory, before three successive wickets of Dhawan, Dhoni and Kohli changed the match.
The onus was on the 34-year-old skipper to take India over the line, as Ajinkya Rahane was injured. Those three wickets opened the floodgates and India lost six more quick ones to end up losing their fourth ODI of the series.
Hussey defended the India captain saying one cannot expect Dhoni to do wonders with the bat every time he comes out in the middle.
"You cannot expect him to do it every single time, and he has done well for India for such an amazingly long period of time. I would keep back him to do this job for as long as he feels he can do the job," Hussey added.
"At the same time, India will be looking at their youngsters. In that situation, it would be ideal if they can bat with and around MS, and learn from him how to get through such situations."
