Mahendra Singh Dhoni is one of the best wicketkeeper and a batsman who has played well in 50 over the format for the team. He left Indian team captaincy in January this year which allowed the former Indian captain to play according to the situation.
The next ICC World Cup will be held in 2019 and MS Dhoni plays an important role with gloves, also with the bat. Here are 5 reasons why MS Dhoni is a force to reckon for Indian team till 2019 World Cup.
- Quick reflexes behind the stumps
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is one of the best wicketkeepers in the world at the present moment. In the recently concluded ODI series against Sri Lanka, the former Indian captain achieved the milestone of 100 stumpings. He still plays a key role for the Indian team in 50 overs format behind. His ability to make quick stumpings and surprise the opposition batsmen with his flick throws does not allow them to reach the crease in time. Against Australia, Dhoni stumped out Matthew Wade with quick stumping. He has now 285 catches and 101 stumping’s to his name. If the former Indian captain works on his fitness, then MS Dhoni will play a key role in World Cup 2019.
- Improved batting from MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni was replaced by Virat Kohli as the captain of the Indian team in limited overs format this year. The former Indian captain was under pressure of not finishing games. But in 2017, MS Dhoni has performed well with the bat scoring 627 runs in 14 innings. Whenever the team is under pressure, he comes to rescue India and helps to post a competitive total.
In Sri Lanka ODI series, MS Dhoni was in brilliant form scoring 162 runs in 4 innings. India was struggling at 64 for 4 against Australia in 1st ODI at Chennai on 17th, MS Dhoni played slowly taking singles. After Hardik Pandya got out, the experience came and smashed the Australian bowlers to all parts of the ground, dismissed for 79 in 88 balls which helped to post 281 for 7. He became the fourth Indian batsman to score 100 half-centuries during the first ODI against Australia. The other three Indians being to achieve this feat are Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid. If he continues to play like this in the upcoming series, his experience would play a big role in 2019 World Cup.
- Guiding the youngsters while he bats on the other end
Mahendra Singh Dhoni gives support to the youngsters while he is batting at the other end. In the recently concluded ODI series against Sri Lanka, India was struggling at 131 for 7 in second ODI at Palleke Stadium, Kandy, he asked Bhuvneshwar Kumar to play a test match. Dhoni and Kumar added 100 runs helping team India to win the match by 3 wickets.
Another instance of Dhoni guiding youngsters in tough situations was at Chennai when India was reduced to 87 for 5. Hardik Pandya a stroke maker was told to play according to the situation by MS Dhoni. Both of them added 118 runs for the sixth wicket. His experience of knowing conditions well and providing support for youngsters makes life easy for the Indian team. If he can continue to give youngsters, then Indian team would definitely have a chance of providing the tough challenge.
- Giving Support to Virat Kohli while fielding placement
Under MS Dhoni, India won three major ICC trophies including the World Cup in 2011, 2013 Champions Trophy held in England. In the recent past, newly made ODI captain Virat Kohli has been taking suggestions from former limited-overs captain MS Dhoni for field placement and also bowling changes.
With Virat Kohli leading in World Cup for the first time, Mahendra Singh Dhoni suggestions would be important. If the combination of Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni could work together, then the Indian team would benefit from the most experienced captain leading India with 199 matches’ experience of captaincy.
- No immediate replacement for MS Dhoni
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is one of greatest player that India has in limited overs cricket. With the young Risbabh Pant as the future wicketkeeper for Men in Blue, the former Indian captain has done wonders for India in limited overs format. With his quick reflexes and wicket keeping abilities, Pant would have to wait.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni would play a key role for India. Pant has played few T20 matches but has was included in ODI series against West Indies this year.