Virender Sehwag, the former India opener, has said that the guidance of MS Dhoni will be helpful for youngsters to prepare for 2019 World Cup,
“These youngsters have a very good senior player like Dhoni who can teach and guide them on how to prepare themselves for the 2019 World Cup. As a youngster, I played my first World Cup 2003 with Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble and they were helping me out,” he said during a panel discussion at the Global Indian International School (GIIS).
Sehwag was a member of the side that won T20 World Cup 20007 and World Cup 2011 under Dhoni.
Sehwag retired from international cricket in 2015.
He wasn’t the part of the team in World Cup 2015, and with no hopes of making a comeback to the Indian team, Sehwag bid adieu to the game same year.
Dhoni was the captain of the side during 2015 World Cup where India lost the semi-final to Australia.
Photo by Ron Gaunt / BCCI / SPORTZPICS
He looked all set to lead India in 2019 World Cup as well but last year, Dhoni dropped a bombshell by relinquishing captaincy.
He handed the baton to Virat Kohli, who also led the side in ICC Champions Trophy.
It was Kohli’s first ICC tournament as captain and India did well.
The defending champions ended the tournament as runner-up after losing out to Pakistan in the final.
From past one year, MS Dhoni’s form has seen many ups and downs.
He has often been criticised on some occasions.
Some are also asking for Dhoni to retire from international cricket.
However, he looks a need of the team at the moment in ODI format.
With Indian team yet to ink on number four position, Dhoni is ready to go material in that spot.
He can always be asked to come and bat at four, probably the reason why team India is trying some options before finally inking on Dhoni.
The next World Cup will be played from May 30 to July 14 in England.
Dhoni, the most senior player in the side, is expected to take a call on his career after that.
It is highly unlikely that he would stretch his career till 2023 World Cup.
As Sehwag said, his experience will be a need for the team during next World Cup.
Also Read:
Rohit defends Dhoni’s place in ODI, T20I teams
ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2018: Super Sixes Match 9, Ireland vs Afghanistan: Match Review