5 reasons why Dhoni is still important to India's world cup campaign

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's abilities to rotate the strike and to clear the ropes are fast diminishing. He is consuming a lot of dot balls in the middle overs. He is failing to capitalize on his starts.

MSD's role as India's principal finisher has never been in doubt up until now. So should he be overlooked? Or more importantly, can he be overlooked? What about his other underrated and unique cricketing attributes?

It is undeniable that Dhoni's primary role in the ODI team requires him to forcefully finish off an innings and him failing to do so is a cause of concern. But the brand MSD brings a lot more to the table.

A day after Dhoni showed the world that he has still got it, in this article we have a look at the 5 reasons why Dhoni is still important to India's world cup campaign.

#5 Dhoni sets an example

Dhoni is still fit. He still clears Yo-Yo tests with ease. He still runs the twos hard.

At scorching 40 degrees, Mahi kept wickets for 50 overs in Adelaide. He also batted till the end to get his side over the line.

Under skipper Virat Kohli's regime, the emphasis has been to pick the fittest eleven possible. Dhoni, at 37, is one of the fittest cricketers going around at the moment and it is hard to ignore his aura as an athlete.

While fitness is not the only criteria to pick a cricketer, it helps if you have someone as fit as Dhoni in the side.

The mere sight of this old workhorse charging down the wicket for the third run encourages youngsters to work hard on their fitness.

Dhoni was a front-line choice in India's playing XI in 2009. He still remains as a front-line choice in 2019.

Dhoni as an athlete is clearly not yet finished.