Experience can't be bought or sold in the market, says Ravi Shastri

What's the story?

India's head coach Ravi Shastri has spoken strongly in favour of MS Dhoni, who, in recent times, has copped a lot of criticism, with experts questioning his ability to finish off innings and bat at the same pace he used to. "Like I said, there is no substitute for experience. That cannot be bought or sold in the market," Shastri told India Today.

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Dhoni has been at the receiving end of a lot of criticism over the last one year, often failing to produce innings he was once known for. He has found it difficult to accelerate towards the death overs, most famously costing India a simple run chase against West Indies last July.

In fact, his former teammates VVS Laxman and Ajit Agarkar had even gone on to say that they would have preferred Dhoni making way for a youngster in the side after the 36-year-old could not manage to go big against New Zealand during the limited-overs matches in October last year.

The heart of the matter

But despite all that, Shastri was unperturbed by the harshness of the critics. He reiterated the fact that Dhoni would go down as one of the greatest limited-overs batsmen ever to have played the game. "He'll [Dhoni] go down as one of the greatest one-day players the world has ever seen. And when you have that kind of experience, the level of fitness and what he's maintained," the 55-year-old mentioned.

"When it comes to finishing a game or batting in the final overs, there have been very few better than him in the history of the game. When you have that cushion of someone like him coming at No. 5, 6 or even 7 it makes a big big difference,” Shastri said in Dhoni's defence.

What's next?

With the likes of Dhoni and Virat Kohli rested for the upcoming Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka, a T20 tri-series with Bangladesh the third team, it will be intriguing to witness how the young, highly rated Rishabh Pant fares in the shortest format. Renowned for his ability to smash quick runs, Pant will be keen to stake a claim in the T20 side in the future.

Author's take

With over 300 ODIs to his name, Dhoni brings a wealth of experience to an otherwise unsettled middle-order. While his finishing prowess might not be what it once was, he is still a must-have component.