Fleming on Dhoni in World Cup 2019: “He should play with confidence and no fear”

Fleming on Dhoni in World Cup 2019: Dhoni’s coach at CSK wants him to play with confidence and no fear during World Cup 2019.

Leading up to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, there isn’t a day when a former or  current cricketer fails to express his views about whether former India captain and current wicket-keeper batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni should be selected in India’s squad for the world event.

Unlike some fans, mostly all the former and current cricketers advocate for Dhoni being in the Indian side. Despite the year 2018 being Dhoni’s worst year in ODIs, watching cricketers stand by his side has it in it to amaze each one of us.

It mainly happens due to the notion of Dhoni adding much more to the Indian team than just runs with the bat. It is not just believed but seen during live matches as to how the younger players benefit from Dhoni’s wisdom and experience.

One of the latest former cricketers to have joined this list is former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming. It is worth mentioning that apart from playing under Dhoni in the maiden edition of the IPL (Indian Premier League), Fleming has been the coach of Dhoni’s IPL teams (Chennai Super Kings and Rising Pune Supergiant) for the last decade.

During an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Fleming strongly opined regarding Dhoni being in India’s squad for the World Cup. “I think India have enough options within their squad to include Dhoni because his strength is immeasurable. Watching him in the last IPL, his batting was as good as it has been. He needs to have the confidence to go and play like that in the One Day Internationals and I think the big stage is something he is looking forward to,” he said.

45-year old Fleming further said that he finds the whole conundrum regarding Dhoni as ‘funny’. “I know he has targeted World Cup and the opportunity if he gets there he should. It’s funny isn’t it for a guy who has played so much that he still needs confidence and no fear? That is what Dhoni likes and he should play with confidence and no fear,” he added.

Counting on Dhoni’s experience, Fleming said that Dhoni has got the ability to rise to the occasion, something which should come in handy for India.“He has amazing experience and he has got the ability to rise to occasion. As you get bit older, you don’t pick and choose but you need big opportunities to be at your best,” Fleming concluded.

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