Indian wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni has started well this year after having a disappointing year with the bat in 2018. His return to form has also pleased the Indian selection committee chairman, MSK Prasad. Prasad is happy to see Dhoni finding his touch back, even though he still needs to work a lot. 

Prasad is hopeful of Dhoni showing everyone a glimpse of his fearless cricket in the World Cup which could be very vital for the team. The 37-year-old had a good outing with the bat in India and New Zealand. Leaving the last ODI and T20I aside against Kiwis, the veteran looked good.

"The way Mahi has played in the last couple of series, in Australia and New Zealand, the message is very, very clear: now he has decided to play his natural way. This is the Dhoni that we know. We will be very happy if he can replicate those fearless knocks, using that brutal force he has within him," MSK Prasad told ESPNCricinfo.

He added: "At some point, perhaps because of a shortage of match time, he might have been short of runs. But now that he is playing continuously, you can see his touch once again."

Prasad sees Indian Premier League (IPL) very important for Dhoni as it will give him enough game before the World Cup. "Also, importantly, before India head to the World Cup, he will be playing the IPL. So he will be playing in 14-16 matches - all high-intensity games. That will only help him extend that form he has caught on the Australia and New Zealand tours. I am very happy with his batting."

Recently, Shane Warne had suggested India will use Dhoni's experience in the World Cup. Prasad feels the same that the Jharkhand cricketer's inputs and support to Virat Kohli can be fruitful.

"He is going to be the most important guy for India in the World Cup: be it in his advisory role to Virat, be it with his wicketkeeping, be it with is on-field mentoring of young players," MSK Prasad added.

"There are two aspects about Dhoni: one is his wicketkeeping and the other is his batting. We have never had any doubts about his wicketkeeping. With regards to his batting, we were a bit worried about his form. But we also knew that if he played more, he would regain his form, and that is part of the any player's career - there are dips in form and performances.

"As Virat said, and I agree, the expectations on Mahi are so high. We always associate Mahi with that brutal batsman of his younger days. And the moment he does not do that, some people feel his reflexes have declined. But the way he has prepared and the way he has played in the recent series, I am very happy. Players of that legendary stature don't need to be told..."

(With ESPN Cricinfo Inputs)