World Cup 2019: Dhoni's role massive in India's World Cup campaign, says Shastri

On playing against arch-rivals Pakistan, Shastri said that  preparations wont be any different, the team have to just focus on their quality and intensity irrespective of the opposition

Mahendra Singh Dhoni will have a massive role in India's bid to regain the World Cup, coach Ravi Shastri said Tuesday, harping on the veteran's ability to influence the game's little moments. "Massive as it has always been," Shastri told reporters when asked what he thinks would be Dhoni's role in the ICC's upcoming showpiece. "He is right there, his communication has been fantastic. As a keeper, he has shown over the years that no one is better than him in this format, not just in taking catches, inflicting those run-outs or stumping, these are little moments in the game which can change it on the head and there was no one better than him," he said. On playing against arch-rivals Pakistan, Shastri said that  preparations wont be any different, the team have to just focus on their quality and intensity irrespective of the opposition.

.@msdhoni will be crucial to team's success: @RaviShastriOfc #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/WpMAaexAnc

— BCCI (@BCCI) May 21, 2019

Shastri said it would be the most challenging World Cup considering the quality of the opposition teams and the change in format. "I think our mantra will be to be flexible according to the conditions because this is one country in the world where the pitches may be flat but if there is overcast condition then you have to be up for it," he said. "In no other country, overcast conditions matter so much but in England they do, London might not make that difference but if you go up north and it does get overcast then you will see things happen, so we have to be ready for that and prepare to be flexible." Shastri believed India shoudn't try to do anything differently and only play to their potential. "This team has played good cricket in last five years. They have been striving for consistency. They will not play any differently because it is World Cup. They need to enjoy it and if they play to their potential the Cup can be ours," he said. Talking about the bowling attack, the coach said: "This is an experienced unit. They have been together for the last 4-5 years, they have bowled as a unit together, they accomplished what they set out to do in Should World Cup have play offs like the IPL and Shastri responded in the affirmative. "I have always said that, that's why the IPL format is fantastic, you never know in future, down the line, they (ICC) might think of doing it because of what exactly you said, you know that can happen, but at this moment of time, we will have to just say bad luck."