On Tuesday, during the press conference, the Indian head coach, Ravi Shastri said MS Dhoni will play a crucial role in India‘s bid to regain the ICC World Cup 2019, citing his ability to influence the game’s little moments. He told reporters when asked what he thinks would be Dhoni’s role in the ICC World Cup.

Shastri said, “His communication has been fantastic. As a keeper, he has shown over the years that no one is better than him in this format, not just in taking catches, inflicting those run-outs or stumping, these are little moments in the game which can change it on the head and there was no one better than him. It is great to see the way he was moving in the IPL especially when he was batting, the footwork, the power with which he was hitting the shots, he will be a big player in this World Cup.”

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Shastri said it would be the most challenging World Cup considering the fact that none of the teams can be termed as minnows and the format has also been changed. The pitches in England have been in favor of the batsmen in recent times and the Indian coach feels that India will have to be flexible since overcast conditions can change things drastically.

Former Indian cricketer also expressed that the men in blue should only play to their potential. He said, “This team has played good cricket in last five years. They will not play any differently because it is the World Cup. They need to enjoy it and if they play to their potential the Cup can be ours. They have been together for the last 4-5 years, they have bowled as a unit together, they accomplished what they set out to do in Tests and the endeavor will be the same here as well.”

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When asked if the World Cup should have playoffs like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Shastri responded in the affirmative.