Adam Gilchrist warns India not to underestimate MS Dhoni's contribution

New Delhi: How will MS Dhoni will play for India? This is the overwhelming question for Indian cricket. With India preparing for the 2019 World Cup in England. many have questioned Dhoni's spot in the squad, while others continue to back the mercurial wicketkeeper-batsman.

On Thursday, Aussie legend Adam Gilchrist, who redefined the role of wicketkeeper-batsman, jumped the bandwagon and shared his thoughts on the ongoing debate.

He claimed that Indian cricket team benefits more than it knows from Dhoni's presence, and said, the former Indian captain's experience should not be undervalued.

"I think they (Indian team) probably benefit more than they know by his (Dhoni) experience and him just being around. I wonder whether people around undervalue his experience and calmness that MS brings to the change room," Gilchrist told PTI.

Gilchrist also opined that Dhoni is still good enough to bat at any position from Nos 3 to 7.

"I think he (Dhoni) is so versatile that he could possibly play anywhere between Nos 3 to 7 and still have an impact. So, this Indian team is full of options and flexibility and MS just adds to that as he has throughout his career.

"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. I love Virat (Kohli) and all the Indian players' passion and aggression. It's always nice to be balanced up by some experience and wise head," stated Gilchrist.

While there is still some time to go for the 2019 World Cup, Gilchrist said he is not sure if there is anyone around the corner who can replace the Jharkhand dasher in the 50-over format.

"Dhoni will know if he is keen enough and committed enough (to play the 2019 World Cup). Whether he is prepared to make the sacrifices to be there," he said.

But then he asked a more pertinent question.

"It's also the case of whether someone is around the corner to replace MS, who can add more value than he can. I can't answer that as I don't know. I know there are some real exciting keeper-batsmen around but I don't know whether they can add more value than MS. The World Cup is still 18 months away and a lot can happen between that," he said.

"I believe that MS will make the right decision for Indian cricket. There is plenty of time but don't undervalue the experience that he brings," he reminded.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli now has 49 international hundreds and Gilchrist said that all batting records are in danger.

"I think every batting statistic is in danger across all formats. It's extraordinary. He is a world-class batsman. Even if he doesn't break all the batting records, he will certainly get close to all of them," he said.

In an illustrious career, Dhoni has played 90 Tests, 309 ODIs and 82 T20Is, scoring 4876, 9826 and 1232 runs respectively.

Besides being a finisher par excellence, he holds numerous wicketkeeping records.

(With PTI inputs)