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

#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.