XtraTime Web Desk: Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli has said many times that he is lucky to have MS Dhoni in the team and today Dhoni’s childhood coach Keshav Banerjee said the same thing that the former skipper is the perfect mentor of this young squad which is going to the World Cup in England.
While talking with the reporters during the launch of MS Dhoni Cricket Academy clinic in Kolkata, Keshav said that Dhoni’s game reading is the best and he really guides Virat Kohli well during the game.
“In game reading and tactical approach, there is no one like Dhoni and Kohli also does not have that. So, Kohli can always fall back on Dhoni if he wants to take any advice. If Dhoni would not have been part of the Indian team, there would be nobody to help Kohli as he needs time as captain,” the coach said.
There have been talks regarding MS Dhoni’s batting position in the team as he no longer bats as a finisher. As per Keshav Dhoni should come at no.4 in the World Cup.
“When he bats at no. 4, he takes time as he has time. When he bats at no. 5 or 6, he has to hit from the word go as runs are needed after all. Then he has to take risks. I feel Dhoni should bat at no. 4 in the World Cup. It will be the team management’s decision, but that’s my personal opinion. If he bats at no. 4, the other batsmen can play freely after him,” he explained.
While pundits feel that Rishabh Pant deserves a chance in the Indian team and should have been in the World Cup squad, Keshav begs to differ. “It is too early to give him a chance. India have a huge bench strength. He should be given a chance after the World Cup,” he said.
Asked if Dhoni will hang up his boots after the World Cup, the coach said: “Do you want him to retire (laughs)? You have seen how fit he is. That’s the main thing. When Dhoni will retire, even his wife and father don’t know.”