Veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni's indifferent form has come under the scanner in recent times but India Vice-captain Rohit Sharma on Thursday backed him to the hilt, saying he will play a pivotal role in the World Cup later this year.
Rohit said besides his finishing abilities, Dhoni's mere presence lends calmness to the team, especially youngsters, and that would be crucial in a big tournament like the World Cup, which starts May 30 in England.
"Over the years we have seen what sort of presence he (Dhoni) has in the dressing room and on the field. With him being around, there is a sense of calmness in the group, which is very important, and also a bit of help to the captain because he stands behind the stumps," Rohit said ahead of the first ODI against Australia on Saturday.
"He has captained India for so many years and been successful. So he being around with the team always is helpful. He is like a guiding light around the group," he said.
Dhoni's much-vaunted finishing skills are under scrutiny but Rohit said the former captain has it in him to continue being useful with the bat.
"...Batting down the order, getting us through the line, his finishing touch is very important and he has finished so many games for us. His calmness and advice, what he thinks about the game and what we should do right now is very important.
"His presence around the group is a massive factor for us," said the 31-year-old right handed batsman.
Rohit said young bowlers like Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav can benefit from Dhoni's presence behind the stumps.
"Chahal and Kuldeep are both doing really well so somebody like Dhoni standing behind the stumps and helping those guys about what the batsman is trying to do, it makes a huge difference I think.
"These guys started playing for India in 2017 and since then they have done really well in and outside India. And one of the reasons for that is MS and how he has guided these two guys in the middle about how to keep things tight and field placements.
"He has played a massive role ever since the time he has left captaincy," he added.
WC squad settled
Vice-captain Rohit Sharma on Thursday said India's World Cup squad is more or less settled but nobody should take his place for granted as poor form could lead to omissions.
Rohit said there could be one or two changes in the squad, which will take on Australia and New Zealand in upcoming ODI series, depending on poor form and injury in the coming months.
"The squad that plays these 13 ODIs is more or less the same squad that will go to the World Cup. There will be one or two changes, keeping in mind the form and injury concerns over the next few months," Rohit said ahead of India's first ODI against Australia.
"We played a lot of cricket throughout the year, so injuries are bound to happen. And there will be some concerns about form and fitness. I don't see there will be any drastic changes to the squad," he added.
Talking about the slots in the playing eleven, he said, "...More or less, the slots are pretty much taken by individuals but having said that, I feel everything will depend on the form of each player. Nobody is guaranteed that flight to England as yet.
"I would not say every individual that is going to be part of the next few series would be playing the World Cup. You have got to perform. But there won't be drastic changes," said the stylish top-order batsman.
India last played ODIs in Australia in 2016, and lost the five-match series 1-4. Their top-order comprising Rohit, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli had excelled back then too, but the middle order did not support them enough.
Rohit was confident that those shortcomings have been overcome especially in preparation for the World Cup.
"It's not about one or two individuals, it's about 11 of us contributing, including the 7 or 8 batters that will be playing. Individuals may win one or two games but to win the championship, the batting unit needs to come together and at some stage put their hands up and say 'I'm going to take that challenge and make the team get through the finishing line.
"There will be times when your top-order fails and the middle-order has to take the responsibility and they know that. I think they have done that in the last series we have played, in the Asia Cup, and also against the West Indies in India," he added.