Zaheer Khan Hails MS Dhoni, Says He is an Important Member in the World Cup

Former Indian National Cricket team fast bowler Zaheer Khan has hailed MS Dhoni saying he is an important member of the Virat Kohli-led side for the upcoming 2019 ICC World Cup.

MS Dhoni has given the 3rd ODI against New Zealand at the Bay Oval a miss due to a sore hamstring. Skipper Virat Kohli confirmed the same during the toss time of the third ODI against New Zealand at the Bay Oval. Although it is not something to worry about but the management has decided not to risk with the ICC World Cup in sight. Dinesh Karthik, who was sitting at the sidelines so far, will replace Dhoni.

Speaking on the sidelines of a sporting event, Zaheer Khan noted that MS Dhoni is pivotal for India in the upcoming showpiece event. He also talked about Dhoni helps the skipper and the bowlers from behind the wicket.

“Dhoni is not just bringing his game to the table. Pressure plays a big part at the World Cup and he has vast experience; we can see how active he is behind the wicket as well, sharing inputs with the captain,” Zaheer said.

Meanwhile, MS Dhoni who had the worst year of his career in 2018, stormed back to form right from the start of 2019. He scored three consecutive fifties against Australia guiding his side to their first-ever bilateral series win Down Under. Moreover, he also won the man of the series award much to the relief of the Indian team management ahead of the showpiece event.

He also played an unbeaten knock of 48 runs in the second game against New Zealand as India posted 324 runs on the board batting first. Eventually, the men in blues won the match by 90 runs to go 2-0 up in the series.

India restricts New Zealand to 243

Putting to bowl first, the Indian bowlers did a good job to restrict the hosts for 243 runs after a 100-plus fourth wicket stand. Mohammed Shami returned with three wickets while from New Zealand Ross Taylor topped the batting chart with 93 runs. His partnership along with Tom Latham helped the Kiwis post a decent total on the board.

The onus will now be on the batters to chase down the target and seal the series with two matches still to go.