Sangakkara discloses why Virat Kohli will need MS Dhoni: The Sri Lankan legend advocated for the Indian wicket-keeper ahead of the world event.
There is no hiding to the fact that the previous year witnessed a lot of uncertainty regarding former India captain and current wicket-keeper batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s spot in the Indian squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
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While there weren’t many issues with his wicket-keeping or his contributions on the field, it was his batting which had let the team and his fans down in 2018. In 20 ODIs last year, Dhoni had scored 275 runs at an average of 25 and a strike rate of 71.42.
Given the year that he was having, all such apprehensions were bound to come the veteran cricketer’s way. However, him striking form at the right time has made people believe that he can still do the job for India.
“Imagine there’s no Dhoni
It’s so very hard to do.— ICC (@ICC) February 10, 2019
Great respect show by dhoni.. pic.twitter.com/P7k5mAMYJu
— Shobhraj (@shobhraj129) February 11, 2019
Kohli will require Dhoni in 2019 World Cup
In a recent interview with India Today, former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara laid emphasis on Dhoni’s presence being crucial for the Indian team during the imminent World Cup.
“When it comes to a World Cup, experience counts a lot. Not just experience but that is close to its best. I think MS Dhoni will definitely find a place in that World Cup 15 for India,” Sangakkara was quoted as saying.
[yuzo_related]
The 41-year old also believed that India captain Virat Kohli will require Dhoni’s cool head during crunch situations during the tournament. “Also, I think with his experience, Virat will want to have a very cool head on the field, if push comes to shove when they are in a tight situation in a World Cup,” Sangakkara said.
Remember the name – MAHENDRA SINGh DHONI ❤😍 @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/xTYsUDjs4H
— Dhruv_soni_27 (@Dhruvsoni272) February 9, 2019
Should Virat Kohli bat at no.4? Can Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan be rested for the ODIs against Australia? And who will be #India‘s fourth pacer in the World Cup? That’s right – it’s time for yet another #AapKiVani where I answer your questions. Come on in. Let’s talk cricket. pic.twitter.com/GhT2ibQR2L
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 13, 2019
Before concluding, Sangakkara also praised rookie wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant, who is believed to be Dhoni’s successor in the long run. Himself a wicket-keeper batsman, Sangakkara claimed Pant to be an ‘outstanding discover for India’.
“Rishabh Pant has been an outstanding discovery for India. So competition for places whether you are young or old actually drives you to do better. It just depends on how you take it. Whether you look at it as an opportunity or a threat,” he concluded.
