Former Indian skipper, MS Dhoni was deeply missed by the Indian team in the fourth ODI against Australia in Mohali as his replacement Rishabh Pant- failed abjectly behind the stumps. After that display from Pant, fans demanded to bring back Dhoni into the side even though he has been rested for the final two ODIs against the Aussies.

However, legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne also felt that the Indian team requires Dhoni’s service in the upcoming World Cup although he had a forgettable 2018 with the bat. After seeing a dry run ahead of the ODI series in Australia, Dhoni came under the scanner and a section was feeling apprehensive over the aging cricketer’s participation in the WC.

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However, MS gave the best possible answer to all his critics by scoring three back-to-back fifties Down Under to win the Man of the Series award and then hit the fourth consecutive ODI fifty in Hyderabad as India pulled off a remarkable victory despite losing wickets early on in a chase of 230-odd. However, Dhoni was dismissed on a golden duck in the second game in Nagpur, a ground where he otherwise has rich exploits.

Dhoni’s absence in Mohali exposed inexperience behind the stumps as Pant don’t have much of an experience and was found to be far from prepared to absorb the pressure. He missed a couple of crucial dismissals allowing the Australian batsmen to successfully chase down a target of 359 comfortably.

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As per the quotes in India Today, Warner said, “MS Dhoni is a great player. He can bat anywhere whatever the team needs. He is adaptable and anyone criticizing him has no idea what they’re talking about. India needs him in the World Cup. They need his experience and leadership skills on the field to help Virat Kohli as well.”

Warne also said that though India and England are pre-tournament favorites in the WC, he felt Australia are peaking at the right time and was hopeful about the yellow jerseys successfully defending their 2015 title.