Sehwag right, Dhoni's captaincy to blame for India losing #WT20 semi-final

For all those ardent "cricket lovers" who may think criticising Indian captain (in limited overs only, mind you!) Mahendra Singh Dhoni constitutes the new anti-nationalism, I have news for you.

Former India opener and star batsman Virender Sehwag has said in no uncertain terms that Dhoni's captaincy in the World T20 semi-final against the West Indies left a lot to be desired. Sehwag pointed out that the team's main bowler Ravichandran Ashwin, who is one of the top spinners of the world, was given only two overs. A very valid point.

Also read: Stop mocking the media, Dhoni. The joke's on you now

Let's put this into perspective. You have your best bowler ending up with two full overs and you have a non-regular bowler like Virat Kohli sending down the last over in a big semi-final of a world championship, with your opponent needing eight runs to win! I don't know if Dhoni should retire as a player or not, but he MUST immediately relinquish the captaincy of the side.

What could have been Dhoni's defence? Did he choose not to have Ashwin bowl his full quota of overs because he went for 20 runs in his two overs? Or was it punishment for bowling a no ball that robbed India of a wicket? But if that is the case, Hardik Pandya had also bowled a no ball off which a catch was taken.

Also read: The Aussie journalist who Dhoni mocked has something to say

As Sehwag pointed out, Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja, both were given their full quota of four overs, and both gave away more than 40 runs.

That Dhoni has a soft corner for Jajeda is no more a secret, and it now seems that Dhoni has grown a particular liking also for Pandya. How else can you describe his preferential treatment for Pandya? Yes, Pandya can hit a long ball and is a fine fielder, but isn't much of a bowler.

He was lucky to have two wickets in two deliveries against Bangladesh - one of them off a juicy full toss - and was hailed as a hero. But who can deny that had the Bangladeshis - Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad - been more mature, they would not have gifted their wickets away as they did with two runs to win. Even the wicket Pandya got off the no ball against the West Indies was a full toss.

Also read: Dhoni should respectfully play under Kohli from now on

Now about Kohli bowling the last over. Dhoni has a tendency of having non-frontline bowlers sending down the last over of a pressure match. Case in point: Joginder Sharma in the World T20 final in 2007 and Pandya against Bangladesh in this edition of the tournament. His gambles had come off, and he was seen as the man with the Midas touch. But at the end of the day, it is okay to back your supporting cast but to not have your top actor playing the lead role is simply mindless.

Or did Dhoni think, Kohli, who at the moment, can do no wrong, would do the unthinkable and restrict the West Indies in the last over, so that people would again go ga-ga over Dhoni's Midas touch? Kohli did take a wicket in the match, didn't he?

Also read: Why Dhoni, the Captain Cool, shouldn't lose his cool, even with the media

Well, let's get this clear, Dhoni. Your Midas touch is long gone and you are only a pale shadow of the captain that you used to be. You perhaps know this and is defensive, and your antics at the post-match press conference may be your way of handling difficulties.

You must realise, though, that it is time to step down honourably, and let someone more deserving take over.

The Indian fans also need to realise this reality as fast as possible. Blind faith and support hasn't done anybody any good ever. Dhoni's legion of fans must understand that nothing lasts forever. Dhoni had given some great memories as a player and captain for us to cherish. But that is history. Let's look at the present, and acknowledge that it's time Dhoni brings the curtains down on his captaincy. Granted it would be difficult to swallow, at first, and there will be a desire to cling on to something (Dhoni's captaincy, what else?) which has been so dear to you.

But please understand, there is no point cribbing about it. It's time to look beyond Dhoni, the captain.