David Warner compares MS Dhoni with Ricky Ponting

Australian batsman David Warner believes MS Dhoni is much like Ricky Ponting when it comes to enjoying the company of youngsters in his team. The Indian former captain has rediscovered himself in 2017 and has made a roaring comeback after a mediocre 2016. This prompted Warner to comment that Dhoni will definitely play the World Cup 2019 in England.

The man from Ranchi was under immense pressure after scoring only 278 runs in 13 matches at an average of only 27.80 last year. Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina were axed from the squad in that period which made it clear that the players need to perform in order to stay in the team. But the veteran answered all his critics with his bat and has amassed 632 runs in 20 innings at a staggering average of 79 so far this year. He has looked fitter than ever and his intentions are clear to be the backbone of the team until the mega event in 2019.

New life has just born in them

Warner was all praise when asked about Dhoni and said that the energy he shows on the field is exceptional. “He [Dhoni] is loving being a part of this young, energetic group. That was the same with Ricky [Ponting] when I came into the Test setup. You could just see these guys, a new life is just born for them. It’s great and I like seeing it,” he told India Today on Friday.

He also termed Mahi as a world-class player and expressed confidence that he will last a couple of more years before hanging up his boots. “He is a world class player and if the player feels he is not going the way he would have liked, I’m sure they would have upon themselves to step down. I think he is hitting the ball well and it looks like he is tinkering with his technique as well. I personally think, he can go another two years,” the opener added.

He also felt that the presence of Dhoni on the field is helping the Indian skipper Virat Kohli in leading the team. In Kolkata, Kohli was fielding in the deep and the veteran was marshalling the troops. Virat also takes suggestions from the former skipper time and again whenever needed which is nurturing Indian cricket well right now.

“MS Dhoni brought a sense of calmness to his captaincy. He did a great job as captain and he is still doing a great job, nurturing Virat and that is a great thing to do for a former captain,” Warner concluded.