MS Dhoni inclusion in the Team India dressing room has been a huge boost to the team for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. While no one had expected such a move, with Dhoni everything has been a surprise anyways. Although he is not around in the team as a player, even as a Mentor, Dhoni's rich experience of leading India in pressure matches can come in handy for the players.
Moreover, as captain Virat Kohli rightly said in the press conference ahead of the warm-up fixtures, Dhoni has been mentoring several of these cricketers even when he was the senior member in the side. One of the talents who has always looked up to MS Dhoni is Rishabh Pant. Although it is a known fact that Pant idolised Dhoni while growing up, this time around it is up to Pant to help India lift the T20 World Cup.
Of course, his idol Dhoni is there with him to help him. Not only in terms of advice and thought processes, Dhoni was also seen working with Pant on the Delhi Capitals' captain wicketkeeping skills. With there being less doubt that MSD is among the best wicketkeeper that the country has ever produced he was seen passing on the tricks of the trade to Pant who has improved as a stumper in recent times.
The visuals were shown on the television screens during India's warm-up fixture against Australia on October 20. During the match, it was Ishan Kishan who was the designated keeper while Pant was seen doing a wicketkeeping drill with Dhoni at the practice arena outside the field of play.
In no time, the video of the duo practicing went viral.
Check it out here:
India won their first warm-up match against England quite comfortably and are looking strong in the second game against Australia. Rohit Sharma, who was rested in that first game, is leading the side in this fixture as Virat Kohli decided to take some time off. In addition, the fast bowling duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami have also been rested from this fixture.
India will take on Pakistan in their first Super 12 match at the Dubai International Stadium on October 24, Sunday.