2019 World Cup: Sunil Gavaskar, Murali Kartik Back MS Dhoni to Play Mega Event

Of late, the regular debate in the cricket fraternity is about the presence of MS Dhoni for the 2019 World Cup. The former skipper’s form hasn’t been top-notch in the recent past, but he has been sharp enough with his glove work behind wickets. Meanwhile, Sunil Gavaskar and Murali Karthik say MS Dhoni is the must for team India in the 2019 World Cup.

The former great Sunil Gavaskar feels MS Dhoni is an absolute must for team India in the ODI setup. He feels Virat Kohli still needs the support of the former skipper at crunch situations of the game.

MS Dhoni is more than the numbers – Murali Kartik

Meanwhile, the former spinner, Murali Kartik believes MS Dhoni isn’t all about his batting or wicketkeeping. He feels he is a more vital figure in the team rather than batting in the middle-order for team India.

Speaking of Dhoni’s exclusion from the T20I squad, Sunil Gavaskar feels the selectors might have thought Dhoni would quit after the 50-over World cup. Meanwhile, Kartik terms it as the bold call.

”Virat needs him [Dhoni]. There’s no doubt about it. In 50 overs where there is that much more time, that’s when MSD comes into play. You know he makes those small field adjustments, talking to the bowlers in Hindi — telling them where to bowl and what to bowl. It’s a huge plus for Virat,” Gavaskar said during an analysis show on Star Sports.

“It’s not just about the numbers. It’s what he adds to the team, adds from behind the stumps as well. The team is looking up to him and as one of the senior statesman, he has got a very calm head. He has a lot more than just the batting numbers. But having taken that call, it’s a bold one from the selectors,” he added.

However, as both classic commentators stated, the presence of MS Dhoni is an absolute must for India in England next year. Apart from his batting and wicketkeeping, MS Dhoni has much to do with the side.