MS Dhoni led India as they ended their 28-year-long wait to win another World Cup in 2011. former captain Sunil Gavaskar thinks that India must have Dhoni in their ranks if they are to win a third World Cup in 2019.
According to Sunil Gavaskar, Dhoni remains integral to India's plans at 2019 World Cup. Gavaskar said that Dhoni's big match temperament and experience will help Indian captain Virat Kohli.
"Dhoni has the big match temperament. As a keeper, he is a big help to captain Kohli in terms of field placements and bowlers' performance feedback. So he is necessary," Gavaskar told a TV channel.
Gavaskar also said that Dhoni deserved an honourable farewell at the World Cup place for his extraordinary services to Indian cricket.
"Since the World Cup 2019 is going to be his last, he should be given the honour and recognition for all the services he has offered with a World Cup place," he said.
Dhoni had a dismal 2018 as hescored only muster 275 runs in 20 ODI matches with the highest score of 42. Dhoni will be back in action in the ODI series against Australia.
Dhoni also retuned to the T20I squad for the New Zealand series after being left out in the T20I series against West Indies and Australia as India look to give more match practice before the 2019 World Cup.
However, Dhoni's return meant that Rishabh Pant will have to wait for his chances again.
While Gavaskar still feels Pant can still break into the squad ahead of the World Cup, he added that Pant cannot be included in the ODI squad at the expense of Dhoni.
"If Rishab Pant does well and keeps his form, he can find a place for his batting. He is a left-handed batsman and that helps add variety to the batting line-up. So although Pant is not picked for the ODIs currently, if he does exceedingly well in T20Is, he could come back," Gavaskar said.
