Picture Credit: Twitter/@100MasterBlastr
Former India opener Virender Sehwag feels that MS Dhoni's presence as a team mentor during India's T20 World Cup campaign in the Middle East will help the Indian bowlers. He added that Dhoni was always a bowlers' captain in white-ball cricket and that could be beneficial for the Jasprit Bumrah-led bowling attack in the marquee event. Notably, Dhoni was recently named the mentor for the mega event by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
"I am very happy that MS accepted the offer to be the Team Mentor for the T20 World Cup. I know many people want that MS should again come back into the mainstream of Indian cricket and being roped in as the mentor is the best thing that could have happened," Sehwag told PTI in an exclusive interview.
Sehwag, who has played with Dhoni for several years and was even his deputy in leadership once, said that Dhoni's strength as captain was the understanding of his bowlers' thought process, especially in limited-overs cricket.
MS was exceptional with his understanding of field placements: Sehwag
"As a keeper, MS was exceptional with his understanding of field placements and this is something that will help the bowling unit in this World Cup. The bowlers can pick his brains and get useful tips on planning against a batsman," Sehwag said.
Sehwag also said that there can't be a better mentor than Dhoni especially for young and introverted players who perhaps need a bit of guidance in life as they try to express themselves on the field.
Dhoni is easily approachable and a troubleshooter for youngsters: Sehwag
"There are always players in any international side, who are shy and do hesitate to go up to their skipper and strike up a cricketing conversation. MS has always been that kind of a person who is easily approachable and also a perfect troubleshooter for youngsters," Sehwag outlined.
While BCCI has already announced a 15-member squad for the Indian team with three players in the reserves, Sehwag believes that with ICC giving a window to change teams till October 10, there could still be a few changes to the Indian squad.
India will play Pakistan in their first match of the T20 World Cup on October 24.