Backing MS Dhoni to be one of the luminaries of Virat Kohli-led Team India at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 in England and Wales, former New Zealand cricketer Brendon McCullum said that the former Indian skipper still understands of the game well and his ability to read pressure scenarios sets him apart.
“He is invaluable to the Indian team, he has a blueprint in his mind along with an approach to the game. He always puts the opposition under pressure when he arrives at the crease and reads the game perfectly. His fitness has been great, and he has been striking the ball beautifully in the recent past,” McCullum said while speaking to Star Sports.
Dhoni’s form has been brilliant in the recent past, and he was instrumental for captain Kohli & Co. when they were Down Under and thanks to his series of match-winning performances against Australia; Dhoni’s selection for the 15-man India squad again became irrefutable for the selectors.
MSD successfully transferred his form on the international circuit to domestic in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Not only he-led Chennai Super Kings to another IPL final, but the CSK captain also amassed 416 runs in 15 matches and befittingly finished his side’s top run-getter with an outstanding average of 83.20, and hence, the statement made by McCullum makes all the sense.
Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen also spoke about Dhoni’s calmness when out in the middle.
“His calmness gives him the ability to judge what’s in front of him, it doesn’t matter what situation it is, he is just one of those guys who you know would hold onto the ball when thrown at him,” Pietersen said.
