Sourav Ganguly opens up about MS Dhoni's future in the Indian cricket team

What's the story?

Former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly had his say on the inclusion of Mahendra Singh Dhoni's place in the squad for the ICC World Cup in 2019.

Speaking to India Today, Ganguly felt that Dhoni will most likely continue till the all-important tournament in England two years from now.

“I think so (Dhoni will continue till 2019 World Cup). The best part for Dhoni is Virat Kohli wants him. He’s 36 and he’s not the flamboyant MS Dhoni that we saw in Pakistan in 2004 but he’s a different player now. Kohli needs him not just as a keeper but in the leadership capacity as well; he has got the best view behind the stumps,” said Dada to India Today.

“MS Dhoni is different, not the orthodox one but you need to be different to be successful and he has that. He has learnt his craft with time but we must keep an eye on Wriddhiman Saha. He’s better than m at wicket-keeping, the best in the country right now. He bats at 6 or 7 for India so must keep an eye on him,” added Sourav.

In case you didn't know...

Dhoni has been a part of the Indian squad for all the limited overs tournament this year so far and has batted at different positions in the line-up.

He did not have a great outing against Australia in the recently concluded ODI and T20I series, having scored just one half-century in the eight matches he played.

The details:

Ganguly also opened up about the inclusion of veteran Dinesh Karthik in place of KL Rahul. He felt that the selection was not justified and was very surprised to see him dropped.

Ganguly also claimed that Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have been good in ODIs, Rahane has been brilliant in Test cricket and great in patches in ODIs but Rahul has done well in all the three formats.

What's next?

India will take on New Zealand in three ODIs and three T20Is which begins on October 22 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Author's take:

Dhoni has had an indelible effect on the Indian cricket team over the years and fans all over the world have a predilection towards him.

To this date, he continues to play an integral role in Team India's success and it seems like he has entrenched his place in the squad for the 2019 World Cup.

He might have reached the acme of his career, but it will be inexorable to replace him on the side.