"India needs MS Dhoni's experience to guide the middle-order batsmen," says Lakshmipathy Balaji

Balaji backed Dhoni to play a major role in the World Cup 2019.

Laxmipathy Balaji and MS Dhoni go back a long way

Former Indian pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji has no second thoughts about MS Dhoni's chances for World Cup 2019. He backed the 37-year-old to do well in the cricket event that matters the most. Balaji has played with Dhoni and knows him very well. The two have featured together for India and in IPL for Chennai Super Kings for long. Balaji is now part of the coaching staff of CSK.

"MS Dhoni's experience can't be questioned. There are not many better than him when it comes to handling situations with maturity. He has been a guiding force for the youngsters. India needs his experience to guide the middle-order batsmen," Balaji told India Today.

"Virat, Rohit, and Dhawan bring in experience to the top-order. What about the middle-order? MS Dhoni will be a big influence in this team," he added.

"MS Dhoni is a player who always takes every game seriously and makes sure he gives it his all."

Dhoni brings his experience into play and his tactics are spot on most of the times. Even his work behind the wickets is admirable and if he somehow manages to deliver with the bat India will be benefited. 

Before the World Cup, India will play a five-match ODI series against Australia. There is also a T20I series and Indian Premier League to give Indian cricketers enough games to practice. 

In IPL 2018, Dhoni had shown a glimpse of his old days. The cricketer was smashing the ball like he used to once and it would have been amazing if he had capitalized on the momentum in the international cricket.

"Last year, he played higher-up the order for Chennai Super Kings. His batting form was phenomenal. The way he batted, the way he hit the ball was phenomenal. But you never know with MS. He always comes up with a few surprises. We will wait and see the surprises at the World Cup," Balaji added.

(With India Today Inputs)

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 12 Feb, 2019

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