India needs MS Dhoni in World Cup Squad - Kris Srikkanth

Former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth believes India will require the services of MS Dhoni in the upcoming World Cup in England. Dhoni hasn’t been in the best of forms in the recent past but his experience is going to be vital for the team. Meanwhile, Dhoni showed glimpses of what he brings to the table when he scored 55 runs from 54 balls in the second ODI to help India get over the line.

The former attacking opener of the Indian side Kris Srikkanth believes Dhoni experience is going to be imperative. In fact, Srikkant said if he would have been the head of the selection committee, he would have picked Dhoni for the ODI showpiece.

Dhoni’s experience is going to be pivotal.

“If I was the chairman of the selection committee, I would pick him for the 2019 World Cup for sure. The World Cup is a different cup of tea altogether, where we will need a senior cricketer like him. He’ll be a guiding factor on the field to the captain and the team. His importance will be felt in crunch situations. He may not be the big-hitter that he was before … that’s a different issue, but he’s still got it in him,” Srikkanth tells TOI.

Meanwhile, Dhoni’s power hitting capabilities are on the wane in the recent past. Dhoni needs more time to get settled in the crease and has failed to rotate the strike at regular intervals. However, he was at his best in the second ODI against Australia.

“You have to see the importance of Dhoni as a package — not just as a batsman or a wicketkeeper. Debates and ups and downs will always be there. You’ll be a hero in one match, and a zero in another. That’s a part and parcel of cricket,” he sums up.

MS Dhoni has the abundance of experience which is going to play a key role in the crunch situations. Dhoni might not be at his prime but he still brings a lot of qualities to the table. The team management has also backed him and he is undoubtedly going to be part of the World Cup.