MS Dhoni’s role will be decisive for the World Cup, feels MSK Prasad
MS Dhoni has been in terrific form in the One Day Internationals recently and the chief selector of the Indian team is mighty pleased with the wicketkeeper batsman. MSK Prasad had professed that the legendary Indian cricketer will be crucial for India’s hopes of winning the 2019 World Cup.
MSK Prasad did not forget to notice MS Dhoni’s outstanding form from the Australia and New Zealand series overseas. Dhoni had scored consecutive fifties in the three ODIs against Australia which was pivotal for the team to win the first ever bilateral series victory against the Aussies. He scored 193 runs against Australia losing his wicket only once in three matches. He also scored an unbeaten 48 runs against New Zealand in the second ODI that helped India put up a formidable total on the board and win the match.
“The way Mahi has played in the last couple of series, in Australia and New Zealand, the message is very, very clear: now he has decided to play his natural way. This is the Dhoni that we know. We will be very happy if he can replicate those fearless knocks, using that brutal force he has within him," MSK Prasad told Cricinfo.
Prasad also believed that the former captain will extend his form through to the World Cup as he will play about 14-16 high-intensity IPL matches which will give him enough match time to stay in touch. He also expressed that he was pleased with the way the senior batsman is batting presently.Â
"Also, importantly, before India head to the World Cup, he will be playing the IPL. So he will be playing in 14-16 matches - all high-intensity games. That will only help him extend that form he has caught on the Australia and New Zealand tours. I am very happy with his batting," he added.
The former Indian cricketer further indicated that Dhoni would have multiple roles to play in the World Cup. He had felt that the 2011 World Cup hero would be playing the advisory role to Virat Kohli and mentoring the young players on field along with his primary roles.Â
"There are two aspects about Dhoni: one is his wicketkeeping and the other is his batting. He is going to be the most important guy for India in the World Cup: be it in his advisory role to Virat, be it with his wicketkeeping, be it with is on-field mentoring of young players," said the chief selector.
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