5 reasons why the Indian cricket team requires MS Dhoni 

New Zealand v India
MS Dhoni is an invaluable asset

MS Dhoni is inarguably one of the best wicketkeepers to have played for the Indian cricket team. Possessing an average of over 50, he is known for his calm and composed nature on the field.

Dhoni is widely considered one of the best finishers in the history of limited-overs cricket.

However, despite being one of the fittest players in the team, age is catching up to him and a lot of critics are raising questions regarding his place in the team.

Here are a few reasons why the Indian cricket team still need MS Dhoni:

#1 Tactical genius

Dhoni asking for a review
Dhoni has an amazing record of correctly reviewing decisions

Known to have one of the best brains in world cricket, as a captain, the strategies implemented by Dhoni work more often than not for India and his IPL team. In regards to fielding and bowling changes, Dhoni has one of the best intuitions to make all the right decisions for the team. His analyses of the game is better than anyone in the cricketing world and has helped his teams in numerous difficult situations.

His experience and skill to make the right decisions at the right time, efficiently and effectively, is an exceptionally useful asset for the young and growing Indian cricket team in the near future as they travel overseas in 2018.

#2 Performance in difficult situations

Australia v India - Game 2
Dhoni has indeed been a reliable batsman in the lower order

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is known to be remarkably calm under pressure. The 'captain cool' ensures that he is calm and also provides steadiness to the team at times of strain. The experience that Dhoni possesses can be an invaluable asset for the young Kohli-led Indian side. This characteristic of his will be extremely handy during the 2019 World Cup and the upcoming overseas tours in 2018.

With the bat, he has been extremely reliable when the top-order failed. In the recently concluded series with Sri Lanka and Australia, he performed brilliantly especially when the rest of the team failed to contribute. His ability with the bat is often assisted by his tactical analysis of the match situation and can also provide significant guidance to Kohli. His experience and ability to handle pressure will probably be a significant benefit for the young team in 2018.

#3 Remarkable wicketkeeping skills

MS Dhoni
Dhoni is remarkably quick behind the stumps

Dhoni is always commended for his unique set of skills behind the stumps and has used his abilities to perform for the team whenever required. He holds the record for the highest score of 183 by a wicketkeeping batsman in an ODI innings.

The skilled wicketkeeper is also exceptionally quick behind the stumps. He holds the record for the most number of stumpings in international matches, dismissing over 150 batsmen. His swiftness behind the wickets has been extremely useful for spinners like Ashwin, Jadeja, Chahal, etc.

#4 Perfect mentor for Virat Kohli

MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli
Kohli can turn to Dhoni for advice

MS Dhoni has one of the best tactical brains to build strategies and plan for the team. His ability to analyse the match and the situation is a massive advantage for the Indian team and the current captain.

As a captain, Virat is usually considered an aggressive leader for a young Indian team. On the other hand, Dhoni has excellent temperament and is typically very calm and composed under pressure. The 36-year-old can be a spectacular mentor to groom Kohli in becoming a more stable captain to lead the young Indian team. In most of the matches, Kohli is seen interacting with Dhoni regarding any changes made during the game. This can be a great learning opportunity for Kohli.

#5 Evolution of Dhoni's batting

England v India: Carlton Mid ODI Tri Series - Game 6
Dhoni has evolved into a more reliable batsman compared to the beginning of his career

Dhoni changed his batting approach in the recent years. At the time of debut, he was portrayed to be a dangerous wicketkeeping batsman who was known for his finishing and boundary hitting abilities.

However, lately, he has changed his entire method of playing and started to be a more reliable and stable batsman. Also, he has adapted to playing wide yorkers by implementing new shots to score runs which can be vital in crucial stages of the game. The ability to perform in challenging situations has been complemented with his improved batting technique and strategy.

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Edited by Nikhil Bhaskar