Former India captain MS Dhoni’s form dipped considerably after he retired from test cricket in 2014 as he failed to finish the games in the ODI and T20 format. His strike rate dropped and the Indian team started looking at his alternative for the role of a finisher. He continued to be the support for Indian skipper Virat Kohli and his lightning fast wicket-keeping was an asset for the team but the 2019 season proved to be a different story all-together.
He roared back with a bang as he scored three consecutive half centuries in the ODI series against Australia in January and became the man of the series for his impressive form with the bat. His run of form continued in the recently concluded IPL where he was the leading run scorer for his franchise Chennai Super Kings. The Ranchi lad is most favourable at number four batting slot in the recent while, however disagreeing with the same, former India great Sachin Tendulkar feels MS Dhoni should bat at number five in the world cup.
“My personal opinion is Dhoni should be batting five. I still don’t know what the team combination would be, but if you are going Rohit and Shikhar as openers, to Virat (Kohli) at number 3 and whoever at number 4 then Dhoni could be No. 5,” ESPN Cricinfo quoted Tendulkar, as saying.
“Then Hardik Pandya, an explosive player, follows them. That way the experienced batsmen are well spaced out and Dhoni can stretch the game towards the end where he himself can be explosive along with Hardik,” the veteran of 463 ODIs added.
Sachin, who also happens to be the highest run scorer in the world cup history said that India should utilize Shikhar Dhawan wisely as he is the only left hander in the team.
India will start its world cup campaign against South Africa on June 5.
