Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman believes MS Dhoni will come good in the World Cup next year provided he bats with freedom, much like the way he batted in 2018 IPL season.
Dhoni, who has been axed from India's T20I plans, remains an integral member of the 50-over team and enjoys the backing of the Indian team management and Laxman hopes he finds form in the marquee event next year.
"MS Dhoni is a legendary player and I believe he will have a big role to play in the 2019 World Cup. He is the best wicket-keeper in the world without a doubt, even now. He is supremely fit," Laxman told Aaj Tak.
'Confident of his success in 2019 World Cup'
The Hyderabad-star wants Dhoni to be more free in his approach and to bat like the way he did in 2018 IPL. The seasoned campaigner led Chennai Super Kings to the IPL title and was at his absolute best with the bat. Dhoni scored 455 runs, his second-most runs in an IPL season and at a strike rate of 150.66.
"I am excited with the way he batted in the IPL this year. If he goes out and plays with such freedom, he is still a dangerous player. If he plays his natural game and expresses himself, I am confident he will be very successful in the 2019 World Cup," Laxman added.
Earlier this month, Dhoni's close friend and manager Arun Pandey, said that India's most decorated skipper's dream is to play in the 2019 World Cup and to play an important role in the side.
"It's been a long cherished dream of Dhoni - since he gave up the captaincy in white ball cricket - to play in the World Cup next year where he would be more as a mentor to the team. His idea was to give Kohli time to develop in this role and there is still no change in his thinking," Pandey told Gulf News.
Dhoni will have the ODI series against Australia to find form and get back into his groove before the World Cup.
