MS Dhoni bag the Man of the Series award in Australia ODIs | Getty Images

MSK Prasad, Chief of India’s selection panel, was delighted the way MS Dhoni started 2019 after his disappointing last year, saying the chemistry between Virat Kohli and veteran wicket-keeper will be crucial for India in the upcoming 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup to be played in England and Wales.

Dhoni managed only 275 runs in his 20 ODI outings last year and, in the process, former skipper recorded his worst average and strike rate in a calendar year since his debut in 2004.

However, the selectors and the team management didn't let their trust down on Dhoni and the former captain has justified the faith in 2019, as he kickstarted the year with a bang, scoring three consecutive fifties in the one-day International series and helped India to win their first-ever bilateral one-day series on Australian soil.

The 37-year-old also finished the ODI series as India’s highest run-getter in Australia and became the oldest Indian player to win the Man of the Series award and Mr. Prasad is delighted to see him scoring runs while calling him the best wicket-keeper in the world.

Virat Kohli and M S Dhoni | Getty Images

In a recent interview with Sportstar, Prasad said, “I am absolutely happy to see Mahi among the runs and winning the Man of the Series award for his batting performance in Australia. I have also always said that he is still the best wicketkeeper in the world. Apart from that, he is hugely experienced and brings a sense of calmness to the team in crunch situations.”

He signed off by saying, “The chemistry between Virat and Mahi is only going to help the team in a major event and I can openly say that they have huge respect for each other.”

(With Sportstar Inputs)