Though every department of Indian National Cricket Team looking rock solid ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019, the major query of India’s number 4 batsman still remained the same. There are quite a few options in the hand for the Indian management with Vijay Shankar, KL Rahul, MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav. Meanwhile, Krishanamachari votes for MS Dhoni.
Srikkanth doesn’t feel that the number 4 position is a problem at all for India. He quoted that they have made debates on it for a long time now, which he thinks is a waste of time. Krishnamachari strongly believes that Mahendra Singh Dhoni can do the job with ease.
“For long, the No. 4 position has been much debated and frankly, I think too much has been made about that. In my opinion, India has a readymade No. 4 in MS Dhoni. I don’t think there is anyone better suited for that slot than the former skipper himself and why he has not been allowed to bat there consistently remains a mystery.”
MS Dhoni got quality left in his tank – Krishanamachari Srikkanth
Further, he went on to add saying that MS Dhoni has batted brilliantly against Australia in Australia and then in New Zealand, which will show his capability to bat at higher up the order. Srikkanth highlighted the fact in his column to Times of India.
”Given the manner in which Dhoni played in Australia and in the ongoing IPL, there is no doubt that he has some quality left in the tank. Of course, the attacks that Dhoni will come up against in the World Cup will pose sterner tests, but that does not mean he can’t carry the team around,” he wrote.
Further, he went on to add saying that MS Dhoni guidance to the bowlers will be handy for the team. Srikkanth strongly believes that each member in the tournament will get great learning from the former skipper of India.
“The wicketkeeping skills have remained intact. The stumpings against Delhi Capitals proved his ability behind the stumps can alone be the pivot on which matches will turn. His inputs, reflex behind the stumps and form with the bat will all hold the team in good stead in England.
Very Few players can lift their team with sheer presence:
Krishnamachari also highlighted the versatility of MS Dhoni in a certain team. He believes that his presence itself gives the boost for the team, which he observed only with Kapil Dev and Sachin Tendulkar.
”Very few players can lift their team with their sheer presence. In my playing days, it was Kapil Dev and later Sachin Tendulkar. Likewise, Dhoni is someone who can inspire by just being with the team.”
Well, as Srikkanth said, Dhoni’s form will be crucial for the team. His batting in the middle-order will be the key for India during the crunch times of the tournament. Dhoni’s guidance to the spinners during the course of the match will also be a great advantage.