Venugopal Rao Backs MS Dhoni To Play 2023 World Cup For India

Former Indian batsman Venugopal Rao has insisted that MS Dhoni should continue playing cricket for the national team till the end of ICC 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Rao has also added that mental focus and having a good mentality is key for players coming to the national camp from smaller towns.

Following India’s exit from the World Cup in 2019 after losing the semi-final against New Zealand, Dhoni has not played a single game for either of the national team or domestic team – with his first appearance set to come for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 13th edition of IPL.

Dhoni’s former teammate Rao revealed that the Indian team delivers far better with the presence of Dhoni in their playing XI. He added that Dhoni should consider playing the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, with his experience needed for the team.

Venugopal Rao Backs MS Dhoni To Play 2023 World Cup

“Definitely. He should also play the 50-over World Cup which will happen in India in 2023. He is a valuable player for any ICC tournament. I know he didn’t play after the World Cup semifinal last year but it is not difficult for him to come back. He is Dhoni,” Rao told The Sportstar.

“He knows how to handle these things. A guy who has all the ICC trophies. Nobody else is close to him as a captain or a wicketkeeper-batsman,” he added.

Rao’s statements have surfaced at a time when Dhoni’s spot in the Indian side isn’t fixed for 2020 ICC T20 World Cup.

However, cricket fans all across the globe await his return in the 13th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) wherein, he will lead the CSK again.

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