Ashish Nehra hails MS Dhoni's presence in Indian team as invaluable

Former Indian pace bowler Ashish Nehra has become the latest to join the ongoing discussion about veteran Indian cricketer MS Dhoni. Dhoni has been in the firing range of the cricket pundits ever since team India lost the Rajkot T20I against New Zealand. Some big names, like VVS Laxman and Ajit Agarkar, went on to quote that Dhoni should hang his boots in the shortest format of the game.

However, there were others like Sunil Gavaskar who found it unfortunate to see Dhoni being the only one blamed for the defeat. Recently, Indian skipper Virat Kohli joined the discussion and shut all the critics for their unnecessary targeting of Dhoni. Now, as per the quotes in Indiatvnews, Ashish Nehra has also cited the presence of MS Dhoni in the team as invaluable.

He quoted that Dhoni’s sharp brain and presence has been helping other players in the team. Nehra, who retired at the age of 39 recently, said that age is not a concern for MSD since he is still among the fittest cricketers and should play the 2020 T20 World Cup.

“MS Dhoni’s presence in the Team India is invaluable, his experience and the value he brings to the team is simply unmatched. Apart from his brilliant wicket-keeping skills, Dhoni has the ability to read the game as he possesses a very sharp cricketing mind,” quoted Ashish Nehra.

“If I can bowl fast at the age of 39, Dhoni can also play the 2020 T20 World Cup. Dhoni has such personality that no one needs to tell him that what he needs to do, he is himself the best judge that whether he should continue playing at the highest level or not. Dhoni also wonderfully shares the burden of the coach in a brilliant way, he not only mentors the young blood but also instils confidence in them and motivates them to do well,” Nehra added.

Dhoni should be given a fair chance

He further noted that if a youngster wishes to take Dhoni’s place in the side, he can be tried in the home series against Sri Lanka. But then, Dhoni should get his fair chance to prove his mettle. He is fit and is contributing to the team’s cause in every possible way.

“Age should not be the criteria to get selected in Team India. If the player is fit and is performing well, he should retain his place in the team irrespective of his age. If any youngster wants to replace MS in the side, he should perform and make his claim in the team. You can try any second wicket-keeper batsman in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, Dinesh Karthik or Rishabh Pant can be given a chance. But the selectors should allow Dhoni to make this decision that whether he wants to take rest or wants to be in the playing XI,” Nehra quoted.

Doing a thankless job

Lastly, Ashish Nehra rightly pointed out that the batting position of MS Dhoni is very tricky. If he manages to win the matches for India, he gets hailed as the superhero. But an off day at work sees him face the heat of the fans. Ashish Nehra feels Dhoni is doing a thankless job for the Indian cricket team.

“Dhoni should definitely play the 2019 world cup as the current team needs his guidance and experience at this stage. MS Dhoni comes to bat at a tricky number, he is doing a thankless job from where if he wins the match for India he becomes the greatest finisher or if he fails, he will get criticized,” he conceded.