Virender Sehwag reckons MS Dhoni's presence in ODIs is a benefit for Virat Kohli

The One Day International series between India and South Africa is all set to commence tomorrow at Durban. After staging a wonderful fightback in the third Test, India will be high on confidence for the limited overs format. They’re the No.2 ranked team in the ICC rankings. Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag believes that MS Dhoni’s presence in the side may be helpful for Virat Kohli. He also spoke about AB De Villiers’ absence and lauded India’s performance in the third Test at Wanderers.

The win in the Johannesburg Test has definitely lifted the morale of the team

India may have lost the first two Tests but they refused to bow down. Kohli and co-staged a magnificent comeback as India secured a victory at Wanderers. Sehwag lauded the Indian bowlers who were quite impressive and managed to defend a small target.

“After losing the first two Tests, people were thinking that India might lose it 3-0. But Virat Kohli and co made a brilliant comeback. The bowlers made a big contribution to the win. There are a handful of instances where the bowlers have successfully defended a small total. You need to give credit to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami,” said Sehwag to India TV

Dhoni’s presence and AB De Villiers absence, a good news from India’s perspective

As the team shifts gears to limited overs cricket, the likes of MS Dhoni, Manish Pandey, Yuzvendra Chahal, etc will be back in action. Virender Sehwag indicated that Dhoni’s presence was a huge plus point for Virat Kohli, “In ODI cricket, Kohli also has MS Dhoni. He is always there to point out his flaws unlike in Test cricket. You will see Dhoni giving suggestions to Kohli, you will see him set the field. This is definitely a benefit,”

AB De Villiers has been ruled out of the first three matches with a finger injury. Sehwag remarked that the Proteas would miss a star batsman in the form of De Villiers in their ranks. Thus, he advised India to capitalise on the same and begin well in the series.

“This is great news from the Indian perspective that AB de Villiers will not play the first three ODIs because he is one such player who can change the course of the game anytime. India have a good chance to capitalise on this and win at least two of the first three matches.”