MS Dhoni should not be undervalued in this Indian cricket team: Adam Gilchrist

MS Dhoni is loved by Chennai, both in the Indian cricket team’s blue shirt as well as in Chennai Super Kings’ yellow jersey. So, when the former India captain turned up to play the first ODI against Australia in Chennai last month, no wonder he had a packed Chepauk Stadium cheering for him.

The World Cup-winning skipper delivered too, with an 88-ball 79 as India ended on the winning side. However, the way Dhoni played second-fiddle to Hardik Pandya, who was on a rampage, caught everyone’s attention more than anything. In the current Indian team, Dhoni is the most experienced player. And he played this role to perfection against Australia.

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It was not an exception. He is often seen advising Virat Kohli, who labels his advice ‘priceless’, on fielding positions apart from guiding young bowlers like Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav on where to bowl.

It is this experience and calmness that should not be undervalued by the Indian cricket team management, according to former Australian wicket keeper Adam Gilchrist.

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“I love Virat and the young Indian players, all their passion. But it’s always nice to be balanced with some experience. I wonder if people are undervaluing that experience and calmness (of Dhoni),” Gilchrist said on the sideline of Royal Stag Barrel Select Perfect Strokes.

“I think he (Dhoni) is so versatile that he could possibly play anywhere between No 3 to 7 and still have an impact. So, this Indian team is full of options and flexibility and MS just adds to that.”

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Gilchrist added Dhoni’s impact on the team can’t be measured in statistics. “I am not aware of his statistics for the past 12 months or so but I don’t think he has let the team down when he has been asked to do a job,” he said.

The Australian veteran of 97 Tests added that Dhoni is the best judge to decide whether he will be fit to play the 2019 World Cup.

“I don’t know if there is someone in the wings who adds more value to the Indian team than MS. In the next two years anything can happen. I think MS will make the right decision when the time comes,” Gilchrist said.