5 Reasons why MS Dhoni holds the key in 2019 World Cup

The World Cup 2019 is approaching fast and Team India is in the best possible shape, in terms of playing squad as well as the bench strength. However, one of the issues floating in the media is the hype surrounding MS Dhoni’s form and his undecided future. Though he is going to be an integral part of the Men in Blue’s plans for the World Cup, he is facing a lot of flak of late.

At a stage where Dhoni is right now, the talk about numbers do not even make it to the discussion. A cool head over his shoulders maintaining a zen-like calm and in the process enriching the entire playing unit both on and off the field is simply breath-taking.

For a man who has spent close to 15 years at the highest level, it would be best if thoughts about his future are laid to rest by those speculating it. Having donned the hats of a successful wicketkeeper, player and a captain, Dhoni is at the crossroads where the media attention won’t bother him, but there is very little left to prove.

With 321 ODIs and 93 T20Is in his kitty, he is all set to help Team India conquer the final frontier of the 2019 World Cup to be held in England, but what matters more are the qualities that he brings to the table.

Take a look at the reasons on why he still can’t be written off.

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#5 Great runner between the wickets

The answer to this simply lies in a video that went viral a couple of months back where Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Hardik Pandya were involved in a 100-meter dash in one of the practice sessions. Pandya is undoubtedly one of the quickest Indian on the field, but he was no match to Dhoni’s sprint.

Another video that surfaced during the IPL showed him racing with fellow Chennai Super Kings and West Indian Dwayne Bravo. Again, no prizes for guessing the winner. His knack of running the quick singles and turning ones into twos is a treat to watch. Add to that, his sense of the opposition's field placement and so on.

#4 Finishing abilities

Even though a huge section of fans and media may be of the opinion that Dhoni’s finishing skills have waned, it must be noted that this man is far from done. Irrespective of the batting order he is allotted, he is the one who plays the role of a sheet anchor when the wickets around him are tumbling. The days when he is not able to finish off matches single-handedly are the ones when he is targeted.

However, he has shown us enough instances of winding up the game on his own and such a major figure can’t go missing from the dressing room. The recently-concluded Indian Premier League is the prime example of that. Dhoni still has that aura in him where a bowler will find it mentally tough to defend even 20 runs off the last over.

#3 Helping hand to Virat Kohli

The reigns of Team India were first given to Virat Kohli in the Test format, while he continued to be Dhoni’s deputy in the limited-overs format. However, the latter chose to step down from his role giving the responsibility to Kohli in January 2017. However, it can still be seen that the new captain has been constantly learning the tricks of the trade from his senior pro.

We have often seen at times Dhoni setting the field, suggesting the changes and even going on to take the situation into his own hands when matters seem worse. The captaincy transition from Dhoni to Kohli has happened as smoothly as it could have been, largely due to the former's support and sportsmanship. It can rightly be said of Dhoni – once a captain, always a captain!

#2 Fastest gloves in the business

Is there anyone quicker behind the stumps in the world than Dhoni at present? This might not even be a question for a lot of people. A certain section of the population might have had a chance to comment on his form and age, but Dhoni the wicketkeeper is unparalleled.

Taking off the bails in a flash, running out the batsmen with quick wit etc is something his counterparts all over the world are taking a note of. Even the great Adam Gilchrist has gone on record rating Dhoni above himself. The batsmen all over the world are in awe of him while deciding to step out of the crease.

#1 A role model for youngsters

This is one highly significant factor where the importance of Dhoni can’t be undermined at all, not even one bit. The number of times we have seen him helping out the youngsters on and off the field is simply uncountable.

Be it IPL or the national side, he has more often than not come to the rescue of players like Yuzvendra Chahal, Rishabh Pant, and Kuldeep Yadav. His mere presence behind the stumps gives immense confidence and courage to the young Indian lot of fast bowlers and spinners alike.

Even Virat Kohli has acknowledged Dhoni’s cricketing mind in many press conferences. He is absolutely a father figure in Team India's camp, and the team is lucky to have him around when a lot of careers are taking off and getting steady.