Kohli needs Dhoni not only as a keeper but in leadership capacity as well, says Sourav Ganguly
Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly believes that MS Dhoni will survive in the Indian side till 2019 because Virat Kohli needs him not just as a keeper but also in the leadership capacity. The 36-year-old hasn’t been at his flamboyant best anymore but Ganguly thinks it is normal as one ages.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s situation in the upcoming World Cup two years later has been a huge subject of debate all across the country. The man from Jharkhand, who led India to two World Cups and one ICC Champions Trophy, is still highly instrumental in the Indian side with the selectors still unable to find a replacement for him behind the stumps.
However, although his efficiency behind the stumps has only increased with age, his batting prowess hasn’t been at its peak anymore. However, former India skipper Sourav Ganguly believes that his guidance is quintessential for Virat Kohli’s successful run as India’s captain and the young skipper will back him till the end.
Speaking to India Today, Ganguly stated, “I think so. The best part for Dhoni is Virat Kohli wants him. He's 36 and he's not the flamboyant Dhoni that we saw in Pakistan in 2004 but he's a different player now. Kohli needs him not just as a keeper but in a leadership capacity as well, he has got the best view behind the stumps.”
Dhoni did have some fabulous knocks against Sri Lanka and Australia to re-establish his abilities, but fans might never see that hard-hitting finisher frequently. Dhoni usually takes more time to settle before going for the big shots and the thought of promoting him up the order has also been discussed numerous times. Ganguly, however, thinks it is normal and happens to the best of batsmen with age.
“With age, you worry about your position, reputation and consistency and your game changes. Dhoni's game has changed just like everyone else's. Even Sachin Tendulkar's game changed with age.”
Sourav Ganguly was praised heavily by Sehwag a few weeks back for his backing to the likes of MS Dhoni and Sehwag himself during his captaincy days by falling down the batting order. Hence, it is only natural that Bengal southpaw could gauge how far Dhoni would go with Virat Kohli’s backing.
Sehwag had said, “Ganguly at that time decided to give Dhoni a chance at No.3 for three or four matches. There are very few captains who would first give away his own batting spot for Virender Sehwag and then his set spot of No.3 for Dhoni. Had Dada (Ganguly) not done that, Dhoni would not have become such a great player.”
