Veteran cricketer Yuvraj Singh believes MS Dhoni’s presence in the middle is crucial for India at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
Yuvi while speaking at a recent event in Mumbai said, Dhoni was a great captain for India and his experience and “great cricket brain” would prove crucial in high-pressure situations in England and Wales later this year.
Dhoni’s position in the Indian team has been a topic of polarising debate, largely owing to his slow strike-rate. Despite that, former Indian legends, including Sunil Gavaskar, have thrown their weight behind the wicket-keeper batsman.
Dhoni has also been in decent form so far in 2019 – he was ‘Player of the Series’ after scoring three consecutive ODI half-centuries in Australia, and guided his team to victory on couple of occasions in New Zealand.
“I think Mahi (Dhoni) has a great cricket brain,” said Yuvraj, who was ‘Player of the Tournament’ as India won the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.
“As a wicket-keeper, you are in the best position to monitor the game and he has done that fantastically over the years. He has been a great captain. (He’s) with the young players and guiding Virat (Kohli) all the time.
“I feel his presence is very important in decision-making. He had a fantastic tournament in Australia, and it is good to see him hit the ball how he used to do. I wish him all the best.”
When asked about Dhoni’s ideal batting position, Yuvraj said, “That you have to ask Dhoni, which number he has to bat.”
Yuvi will be playing for Mumbai Indians in the upcoming IPL and said he will look to ease the pressure on skipper Rohit Sharma.
“I think, if I can contribute to the middle-order, it will just take some weight off him (Rohit) and he can just go and play his natural game, while opening. (We will) see how the combinations (go),” Yuvraj said.
