MS Dhoni’s calmness key for India in World Cup: Sanjay Manjrekar

With the historic Test series win in Australia behind them, India have now switched over to the ODI mode for their final leg of preparation for the ICC World Cup due in May-July. The Men in Blue have 16 games (including the first ODI against Australia in Sydney) to test their final squad in the run-up to the mega event in England and Wales. Virat Kohli’s men will bank on certain factors to click for their mission World Cup to be successful and among them is former captain MS Dhoni’s calm take on the game.

The ace India keeper, who will turn 38 during the World Cup, though is past his prime in when it comes to batting, he is still considered a force for his sharp reading of the game and acumen. And not to forget the truck-load of experience that he brings with him. The man has played 332 ODIs so far, scoring over 10,000 runs and effecting over 400 dismissals. What is special is that the gloveman acts as an extra eye for the captain and bowler while in action behind the stumps which can often be handy.

Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar feels it is important to watch MS Dhoni’s ability to win matches as frequently he used to in the past. Dhoni made the ODI side at the expense of Rishabh Pant who did well both as a keeper and batsman in the recent Test series. The young wicketkeeper is also not a part of India’s squad for the five ODIs against New Zealand either which has raised a few eyebrows.

Manjrekar points out the thing that puts Dhoni ahead of Pant

According to Manjrekar, however, one thing that goes in favour of Dhoni is his experience as he feels the latter’s calmness is something India can gain from in a high-pressure tournament like the World Cup. “One thing that goes in favour of Dhoni is that because this is the World Cup, you need somebody with his level of calmness. In 2011, Dhoni’s calmness was one of the main reasons why India won the World Cup. His calmness on the big stage is going to be a big source of strength,” Manjrekar, a cricket analyst now, told Times of India on Friday.

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