World Cup 2019 | Virat Kohli needs MS Dhoni's leadership experience in the World Cup, claims Shane Warne

The 2019 ICC ODI World Cup is set to begin in May later this year and hosts’ England, along with India, are touted to be the favourites in the build-up to this year’s tournament. Former Australia spinner, Shane Warne, hinted that former India captain MS Dhoni, who led his team to the World Cup title in 2011, will be essential this time around as well if Virat Kohli & Co. intend on laying their hands on the trophy for the third time.

"MS Dhoni has to play in the World Cup. MS Dhoni is a class act and Virat Kohli needs his leadership experience as well to help him when the times are tough," Warne told PTI sources.

Warne, the world’s second-highest wicket taker in the Test format, further added that he believes Delhi youngster Rishabh Pant is the perfect successor to replace Dhoni in the Indian team once the latter decides to call time on his career.

"You have a successor and the name is Rishabh Pant. He takes over when Dhoni decides to retire. I believe that Rishabh can play in the World Cup. They (Dhoni and Pant) can both play together in the XI. Dhoni is the keeper and Rishabh bats. I don't think you have to say it's Rishabh or Dhoni.

"Dhoni should be that experienced player, the keeper, the leader, the finisher and Pant can bat anywhere from 1 to 6. So when Dhoni decides to retire, Rishabh Pant takes over. It's that easy," Warner added.

The Australian revealed that he doesn't like defensive bowlers in limited overs cricket and that's the reason three of his current favourite spinners are India's Kuldeep Yadav, Pakistan's Yasir Shah and Afghanistan's Rashid Khan.

"The top three who I like watching and certainly I believe has an influence on (ODI/T20) games are Rashid Khan, Yasir Shah and Kuldeep Yadav. Those three are the best three going around at the moment and I really enjoy them watching the most," Warne concluded.