ICC World Cup 2019: 5 reasons why Virat Kohli needs MS Dhoni to lift the trophy

In just a few months from now, the world will witness the most spectacular cricketing event, the ICC World Cup 2019 in England, the proverbial home of the cricket. It will be the 5th occasion that England will proudly host the mega event and spread the magic of cricket around the world.

In this edition, the top 10 ODI teams from across the globe will compete against each other in a round-robin format for the most prestigious trophy. Without any doubt, the marquee event will be the most entertaining cricketing event of the year.

Just like every team, Team India has been working on their 15 member squad for the tournament for quite a while now and with the consistent effort of the team management, they now have an excellent pool of players to choose from.

Apart from a few hiccups in between, they have looked a very strong team especially since they have finally discovered a fast bowling all-rounder and lethal bowling attack to back up their strong batting unit. Today, team India looks a very well balanced team and interestingly, even stronger than ever before.

By the looks of things, the Men in Blue appear to be a very strong contender to lift the ICC trophy this year. After a long wait of over 11 years, this is Virat’s opportunity to live the dream once again and he needs one man more than anyone else to succeed – Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

However, of late, a lot has been said about MS Dhoni. His poor of run with the bat specifically has divided the entire cricket fanatic nation into two completely opposing factions – one that still believes in the legend’s ability to win games for India and the other that believes that it’s time for him say goodbye to the gentleman’s game. Many fans have questioned his place in the side and consider him an emotional burden rather than an invaluable asset for the team.

Nevertheless, the team management has stood by MSD through the turbulence and has clearly shown faith in his contribution to the mega event. It is absolutely evident that despite being a successful captain in the very cricketing format, the Indian captain Virat Kohli still needs MS Dhoni for the all-important ICC World Cup 2019.

Here are 5 reasons why:

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#1 Strengthening the shaky middle order

There is no debate around the fact that MS Dhoni isn’t the same flamboyant hard hitter anymore. Once regarded as the best finisher in the game, he is now unable to score freely. today, and you cannot expect him to come on to the crease and smash the bowlers around. He now needs time in the middle to settle down.

That works perfectly for the team in today’s scenario. Team India is excellently equipped for a cruise of a start by their top order - Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and Virat Kohli. Dhoni is perfectly supported at the end of the innings by newly the appointed finishers – Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik and Hardik Pandya. It is India’s middle-order that is a concern especially considering the fact that the no.4 slot continues to be the puzzle.

Today, Dhoni’s style of batting has an invaluable ability to calm the storm and that is just ideal for the team. He may consume some overs in the beginning to settle down but at the same time, he will provide some much-needed stability to the team.

Also, his presence on the other side will give immense confidence to others to play their shots freely without any worry. Needless to say, he has a very vital role in the batting order and holds the keys to India's success.

#2 Best wicket-keeper in the world

MS Dhoni

Dhoni might have slowed down with his bat but still continues to be excellent with gloves. Very much like his younger days, he is still extremely agile and fast with his movements. Till date, no one could ever raise any concern pertaining to MS Dhoni’s wicket-keeping skills. In fact, cricket gurus, even today, fondly pronounce him ‘the fastest hands in the east’ and very rightfully so.

Team India had 19 wicket-keepers before him; however, no one apart from few such as Kiran More, Nayan Mongia, and Rahul Dravid could really serve the country for a long time. The quest for an excellent wicket-keeper with decent batting skills came to end only with the discovery of MS Dhoni in 2004. Ever since, the wicket-keeping slot has never been a topic of discussion for selectors.

Today, with over 300 ODIs, MS Dhoni stands proudly at 3rd with over 400 dismissals among all-time greats, just below Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara and Australian Adam Gilchrist. Though these statistics speak a lot about these players, it does not entirely reflect MS Dhoni’s entire repertoire.

More than anything else, it is MS Dhoni’s street smartness that really sets him apart completely from anyone else. The very recent run out of James Neesham is an ideal example of his excellent presence of mind. Over the years, he has been causing damage to opponents at very crucial junctures of the game and has turned the game around in India’s favor.

Also, the recent implementation of DRS system in the cricket arena has only enhanced the value of MS Dhoni. A wicket-keeper is always consulted prior to any LBW review and over the years, he has exhibited his expertise by challenging the on-field umpire, rightfully on most occasions.

In addition, his excellent game awareness and excellent view of the park enables him to support Virat in establishing the ideal field setting based on the match scenario.

#3 Years of experience

MS Dhoni

In his entire cricketing career spanning 15 years, MS Dhoni has played over 500 international games until today (90 Tests, 338 ODIs, 96 T20Is). It would be no exaggeration to state that he has seen everything on the cricket field and nothing can surprise him. Having him around would mean that India is very well prepared for any situation.

Apart from a very few players, the current Indian team is relatively inexperienced side and therefore, his immense experience will provide the much-needed balance to the team. His experience will be the guiding force to the young new breed of Indian cricket and most importantly, enable them to unleash their potential.

His enormous experience will prevent the team from making costly errors that could very well be the difference between India lifting the world cup and being thrown out of the tournament. In other words, MS Dhoni will be Team India’s ‘On-field coach’.

#4 Very calm composure

Calm and composed MS Dhoni

Winning big tournaments is not just about performing excellently from a technical point of view but also about certain soft skills. In such high-intensity events, your temperament is tested to the core. Very often, teams come under extreme pressure and it requires a very calm mind to rescue the team from tough situations.

In this ICC World Cup edition, the top 10 ODI teams will fight for the invaluable trophy and there will certainly be plenty of closely contested games. Without a doubt, only the team that can manage their nerves better will eventually come out as the winner.

Year after year, MS Dhoni has displayed his excellent composure in challenging situations and has led Team India to many famous victories. The most famous one is the ICC World Cup 2011 final, when the team was under enormous pressure after the early departures of their openers Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag.

Once again, MS Dhoni’s invaluable presence on the field will keep every around relaxed and enable them to perform at their very best. Moreover, his serene persona will ensure that the team stays grounded after winning games and continues to stay focused for the rest of the tournament.

#5 Advice to the spin bowlers

MS Dhoni - spin bowling expert

Even though the tournament will be played on pace-friendly pitches, the spinners are expected to play a very vital role in the team’s success. Over the past couple of years, India’s new spin duo Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, famously known as ‘Kul-Cha’, have spun the ball magnificently and have successfully turned the game in India’s favor.

Not only have they managed to stop the flow of runs, but they have also taken wickets especially in the middle overs, completely diffusing any possible counter-attack in the later stages. Spin bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and part-timer Kedar Jadhav have also made a meaningful impact on the game by clinching wickets at important junctures. This is due in part to one man standing behind the stumps – MS Dhoni.

A lot of credit for their success undoubtedly goes to the legendary cricketer. Very often, MS Dhoni assesses the game situation, observes the batsman, judges their intentions and advises the bowlers accordingly. More often than not, the implementation of his plans leads to a wicket.

As long as MS Dhoni is standing behind the stumps, the spin bowlers simply have to listen to him, roll their arm over and the magic just seems to happen!