Bails and Banter EP 4: Atul Wassan discusses MS Dhoni’s legacy, changing times and more

Episode 4 of Bails and Banter, presented by OTTplay and powered by Dafanews, is officially out on the OTTplay App and YouTube. In this episode, former Indian veteran Atul Wassan looked through Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s legacy with cricket. He also spoke about the changing times and how that has affected the cricket-viewing experience.

Atul Wassan looks at MS Dhoni’s legacy

MS Dhoni is a name that cannot be separated from cricket, and Atul Wassan agrees, while explaining how the legend has made a switch from a player to a mentor just out of his passion for the sport. “People expect Dhoni to perform, even when he has done everything under the sun. He doesn't need to do it, but does it despite all the trolling,” he noted, adding that nobody could challenge the player that Dhoni is because he can see through it all given his experience, including winning the World Cup for Team India.

During the conversation with our hosts, Atul further explained how the player is now focused on being a mentor and is playing every match out of sheer passion for the sport. He further mentioned how the number of matches do not matter as much as balance in the team, and how a leg-spinner who confuses his opponent is most in-demand in the game.

Watch Atul Wassan talking about changing times in Bails and Banter on OTTplay App and YouTube Channel!

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Atul Wassan talks about cricket being a means of entertainment alone

Former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan respected how people are passionate and buy teams even for minimal profit. “This is for entertainment purpose alone. Some people have made money in India, but nobody knows about it. You should have deep pockets and passion,” he noted, while citing the example of Shah Rukh Khan who has skin in the game and passion for cricket.

Nonetheless, Atul talks about the changing times and how only the winners are respected over players who actually paved the way. He found it hurtful how Cheteshwar Pujara would take all of the trolling and nobody would appreciate him as a player. For that matter, Atul also recalled how the views on umpires have changed over the years. While initially the umpires were considered legends and there was fear associated with their actions, now with the younger lot taking over, they are reduced to fearing heavy trolling as their every move is carefully analysed. Atul also asked to learn from veterans like Rahul David and Anil Kamble how to balance work and play.

Bails and Banter is a cricket show where legends speak of the sport, cricket matches, players and more. It commenced on May 17 and will go on till June 3. You can stream it on the OTTplay App and YouTube channel!