In a recent interview with ESPNcricinfo, Chief selector MSK Prasad was asked about Dhoni’s current status with respect to the upcoming World Cup 2019. “The way Mahi [Dhoni] has played in the last couple of series, in Australia and New Zealand, the message is very, very clear: now he has decided to play his natural way,” Prasad said, referring to Dhoni's recent form.
Prasad also said the fans will be very happy if the World Cup winning captain can replicate those ‘fearless knocks’. The chief selector was confident that the 12th season of the Indian Premier League scheduled to be played before the World Cup will help him extend his form, he caught on the Australia and New Zealand tours.
“This is the Dhoni that we know. We will be very happy if he can replicate those fearless knocks, using that brutal force he has within him. At some point, perhaps because of shortage of match time, he might have been short of runs. But now that he is playing continuously, you can see his touch once again.
“Also, importantly, before India head to the World Cup, he will be playing the IPL. So he will be playing in 14-16 matches – all high-intensity games. That will only help him extend that form he has caught on the Australia and New Zealand tours. I am very happy with his batting,” Prasad said
The 43-year old admitted that the selection committee was worried about his form but remained confident that if he played more, he would regain his form, and that is part of the any player’s career.
“There are two aspects about Dhoni: one is his wicketkeeping and the other is his batting. We have never had any doubts about his wicketkeeping. With regards to his batting, we were a bit worried about his form. But we also knew that if he played more, he would regain his form, and that is part of the any player’s career – there are dips in form and performances
“As Virat said, and I agree, the expectations on Mahi are so high. We always associate Mahi with that brutal batsman of his younger days. And the moment he does not do that, some people feel his reflexes have declined. But the way he has prepared and the way he has played in the recent series, I am very happy. Players of that legendary stature don’t need to be told. They know what is expected of them. They will obviously feel bad in case they do not deliver what is expected of them,” he added.