ODI series against West Indies crucial for Dhoni: Sourav Ganguly

Dhoni has an unimpressive record in the seaming conditions of England where he is yet to score a century from 20 ODIs, and averages 38.06, a sharp drop from his career average of 50.61

Wicketkeeper MS Dhoni is currently going through a rough patch in his career. It’s quite apparent to any observer of the sport that he is not the same finisher and his run-aggregate has fallen as well. However, former captain Sourav Ganguly thinks differently.

Backing MS Dhoni to do well in the upcoming ODI World Cup in 2019, Ganguly said that the ongoing series against West Indies would be crucial for the veteran stumper looking forward to next year's showpiece event.

“I don't know what combination they are thinking about. But I'm sure he (Dhoni) will do well in the World Cup. It's (against West Indies) big series for him,” Ganguly told PTI in Guwahati.

In the Asia Cup, Dhoni batted four times, scoring 77 runs with an average of 19.25 and a strike rate of 62.09. Overall in 2018, he has batted 10 times in 15 matches, for an average of 28.12 and a strike rate of 67.36.

Dhoni has an unimpressive record in the seaming conditions of England where he is yet to score a century from 20 ODIs, and averages 38.06, a sharp drop from his career average of 50.61.

“His overall record is very good,” Ganguly pointed out.

“It all depends how the players perform going ahead to the World Cup. It's about scoring runs. That's why Pant has been given a chance,” he added.

Starting with the five-match ODI series against West Indies here, India have 18-odd matches left for the World Cup and the think-tank has brought in dashing Delhi wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant in the mix to spice up the scenario.

“India are a good ODI side. This World Cup will be worth watching. All teams play all and the best four go. It will be a competitive one,” Ganguly said.

All 10 teams will play each other in a round-robin format, with the top four qualifying for the semi-finals in the next year's World Cup beginning with England versus South Africa at the Oval on May 30.