A lot of Indian fans were left surprised when MS Dhoni was dropped from India’s T20I squads for the successive series against the Windies and Australia because most of them thought that now Mahi’s chances of playing ICC World Cup 2019 have been demeaned further. Despite those changes in the Indian T20I squads, most of the pundits have expressed that despite MS’ dip in form with the bat, the veteran wicket-keeper is going to play a very important role for the Indian team in the marquee event.
Dhoni, who led the Indian team during the 50-over World Cup triumph in 2011, is currently on a break since he was not picked for the T20I series and will only appear in the blues when India field their XI for an ODI which will take place again only in January. He played in India’s last ODI assignment against the Windies at home where he kept wickets even though specialist wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant played – as a specialist batsman.
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Among those who prefer to see MS Dhoni playing a prominent role in India’s World Cup campaign is former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman. He was of the opinion that the veteran’s fitness levels are as high as it can be and called him the best wicket-keeper in the game even at this moment. During a recent interview with Aaj Tak, Laxman said, “MS Dhoni is a legendary player and I believe he will have a big role to play in the 2019 World Cup. He is the best wicket-keeper in the world without a doubt, even now. He is supremely fit.”
Laxman, who himself hasn’t played in a World Cup, said if Dhoni continues to play with the freedom he found in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2018, he will be unstoppable and hence a big asset for Virat Kohli and his men. Dhoni hit a purple patch with the bat during the last IPL in which he led the comeback franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to the title for the third time in nine years. In the process, the Ranchi cricketer smashed 455 runs in 16 games with three fifties and a big strike rate of 150 plus.
Describing his words further, VVS said, “I am excited with the way he batted in the IPL this year. If he goes out and plays with such freedom, he is still a dangerous player. If he plays his natural game and expresses himself, I am confident he will be very successful in the 2019 World Cup.”
