Dhoni Will Play a Massive Role in India’s WC Campaign: Shastri

Shastri highlighted Dhoni’s form with the bat and how it can be game-changing factor for India in England.

File photo of Ravi Shastri (L) and MS Dhoni (R).

(Photo: Reuters)

Head coach of Team India Ravi Shastri once again stressed on the fact that Mahendra Singh Dhoni will have a massive role in India's bid to regain the World Cup. "Massive as it has always been," Shastri told reporters when asked what he thinks would be Dhoni's role in the ICC's upcoming showpiece.

“You don’t need to tell him. He will be right there doing what he does. His communication with Virat has been fantastic.”

Ravi Shastri, Head Coach, India

According to Shastri, Dhoni’s acumen behind the stumps would be very crucial for India. The former captain’s knack of changing the course of the game with lightning-quick reaction behind the stumps was once brought to the fore by Shastri.

“As a keeper he has shown over the years that there is no one better than him in this format of the game. Not just taking catches but inflicting those runouts, stumping, those little moments in the game that can change the game on his head. There is no one greater than him.”

Ravi Shastri, Head Coach, India

Shastri complimented Dhoni for a great IPL, which again saw him leading his side Chennai Super Kings to the final before going down to Mumbai Indians. The commentator-turned-coach highlighted Dhoni’s form with the bat and how it can be game-changing factor for India in England.

“What was great was to see him moving in this IPL, especially when he was batting. The footwork, the power with which he was hitting his shots. He will be a big player in this World Cup.”

Ravi Shastri, Head Coach, India

Dhoni finished this IPL as the top-scorer for Chennai Super Kings, amassing 416 runs at an average of 83.2. The skipper was back to his best of finishing games for his franchisee consistently throughout the tournament. India will be hoping that Dhoni carry on his batting form in the world cup.