Mumbai: Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s finishing skills remain unmatched and the former captain will be an asset in India’s lower middle order at this year’s World Cup, believes former team mate Suresh Raina.
The sight of Dhoni depositing Sri Lanka seamer Nuwan Kulasekara into the Wankhede Stadium stands to seal victory in the 2011 World Cup final is etched in the memory of most Indians.
No target was deemed out of reach with the hard-hitting right-hander at the crease but that clean striking and fluid swing of the heavy bat are rare these days and many believe Dhoni is no more the finisher that he was before.
His sharp glovework makes Dhoni India’s first choice wicketkeeper in limited-overs cricket but his batting position for the World Cup, when he will be 38, continues to be debated.
“For MS, the ideal position would be number five or six,” said Raina, who is an integral part of the Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings side in the Indian Premier League. “He is such a keen reader of the game and brings years of experience. When required he can build up an innings and his finishing skills are unmatched.”
Dhoni has played 340 ODIs for India and scored more than 10,000 runs at an average of just under 51. His role as a finisher is crucial for India’s World Cup campaign with the team’s number four batting position still to be sealed.
That has led to suggestions that captain Virat Kohli, also the team’s best batsman, should bat a place lower than his usual number three spot.
“I think number three or four should be good (for Kohli),” Raina added. “If the top order topples quickly, we need someone like Kohli to keep it together.”
Agencies