ICC World Cup 2019: Weighing the pros and cons of India playing part-time keepers for second choice

Factors against the exclusion of the second keeper in the squad

Age seems to be finally catching up with MS Dhoni

# With due respect to MS Dhoni’s perfect fitness levels, he is no longer the youngster he once was and is prone to more injuries at this stage of his career.

# What will be the next option for India if Dhoni himself is scratchy with the bat in the World Cup?

# By a change in Law of Cricket since October 2017, now a substitute can replace an injured wicket-keeper in the middle of a match of course with the consent of the umpires. If that is the case, India would be missing out on an opportunity if they don’t have a second specialist wicket-keeper in the squad to do that.

# In case of any freak injury to Dhoni in the World Cup and in the absence of a second keeper, if India seeks a replacement, India could very well miss Dhoni’s services for the entire tournament. They can't afford to do that.

To sum up, the presence of a second wicket-keeper in the squad might be a superfluous option which would affect the balance of the team. India could as well take a chance with the ever fit Dhoni and do away with the second wicket-keeper spot for the World Cup.