Dhoni will be go-to man for Virat Kohli: The axed Indian batsman believed the veteran wicket-keeper batsman will play a key role for India.
Axed India batsman Suresh Raina believes that former India captain and current wicket-keeper batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni will have to play a pivotal role if India captain Virat Kohli is to life the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 trophy at Lord’s.
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Having last played for India during India’s tour of England last year, Raina has been out of both the ODI and T20I team for inconsistent performances at the highest level.
A crucial part of the Indian batting division in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Raina had scored 284 runs in eight matches at an average of 56.80 and a strike rate of 110.07, including a century and a couple of half-centuries. Since the World Cup, Raina has only played 11 ODIs, scoring 227 runs at an average of 22.70 and a strike rate of 87.98.
“Dhoni will be Kohli’s go-to man”
In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, Raina highlighted Dhoni’s recent form in Australia and New Zealand. Pointing out Dhoni’s big-match experience, Raina asserted that he will be Kohli’s go-to man in the World Cup.
“The amount of runs Dhoni has scored recently in Australia and New Zealand and the kind of guidance he gives to the youngsters in the team, especially the bowlers, that augurs really well for the boys.
“He has seen a lot of ups and downs, he has been a part of quite a few World Cups and has also been there in IPL finals and that is why he is the go-to-man for skipper Kohli,” Raina was quoted as saying.
“MS Dhoni is the best captain”
Raina has played under Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings for nine years. Reflecting on the memories, Raina said that the franchise has the ‘best captain’ in Dhoni. “It was amazing, god has been kind. We had played for almost 10 years (nine years) together and have had a lot of memories at CSK.
“We have the best captain in MS Dhoni and CSK is also the best franchise. The culture is really good in the team and the foreign players are also welcomed. I am really looking forward to the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League,” the 32-year old cricketer added.
