Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan has hailed MS Dhoni saying he is a crucial cog of the Virat Kohli-led Indian team for the upcoming 2019 ICC World Cup. Dhoni missed the 3rd ODI against New Zealand at the Bay Oval due to some strain in his hamstring. Although it is not something to worry about but the management has decided not to risk with the ICC World Cup in sight. Dinesh Karthik, who was sitting at the sidelines so far, had replaced Dhoni.

Speaking on the sidelines of a sporting event, Zaheer noted that Dhoni is pivotal for India in the upcoming showpiece event. He also talked about Dhoni helps the skipper and the bowlers from behind the wicket.

Zaheer said, “Dhoni is not just bringing his game to the table. Pressure plays a big part at the World Cup and he has vast experience; we can see how active he is behind the wicket as well, sharing inputs with the captain.”

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Meanwhile, MS has recently got back to the form after having a forgettable 2018. He has scored three consecutive fifties against Australia guiding India to their first-ever bilateral series win Down Under. Moreover, he also won the man of the series award much to the relief of the Indian team management ahead of the showpiece event.

Dhoni also played an unbeaten knock of 48 runs in the second game against New Zealand as India posted 324 runs on the board batting first. Apart from the first ODI against Australia, he hasn’t been dismissed by the oppositions this year.

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Putting to bowl first, the Indian bowlers did a good job to restrict the hosts for 243 runs after a 100-plus fourth wicket stand. India secured the ongoing five-match ODI series against the hosts New Zealand after winning their third straight ODI in this series. They sealed the game by seven wickets (with 42 balls remaining) and also has taken the lead of 3-0 in this series.