Team India skipper Virat Kohli still needs MS Dhoni, Sourav Ganguly reveals why

New Delhi: After taking the captaincy mantle over from MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli has taken no time to prove his credentials. He has already taken the country to great heights, winning eight consecutive Test series and six straight bilateral ODI series.

However, former Team India captain and cricket icon Sourav Ganguly feels that Kohli still needs MS Dhoni’s captaincy guidance. With doubts growing regarding Dhoni’s future, Ganguly feels that the 36-year-old will easily be a part of the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales.

"I think so (when asked if Dhoni will continue till the 2019 World Cup). The best part for Dhoni is Virat Kohli wants him. He's 36 and he's not the flamboyant Dhoni that we saw in Pakistan in 2004 but he's a different player now. Kohli needs him not just as a keeper but in a leadership capacity as well, he has got the best view behind the stumps", Ganguly was quoted as saying by India Today.

Ganguly went on to say that Dhoni has managed to win Kohli’s trust even in the most tense situations and that age hasn’t taken a toll on his fitness levels.

"Virat backs him and that's what a player wants. His game has changed but that happens with everyone. With age, you worry about your position, reputation and consistency and your game changes. Dhoni's game has changed just like everyone else's. Even Sachin Tendulkar's game changed with age. I think he can survive till 2019, he is fit and most importantly, he knows his captain will back him," he added.

The former India batsman also stated that Wriddhiman Saha could fill Dhoni’s boots in the future.

“He's different, not the orthodox one but you need to be different to be successful and he has that. He has learnt his craft with time but we must keep an eye on Wriddhiman Saha. he's better than Dhoni at wicket-keeping, the best in the country right now. He bats at 6 or 7 for India so must keep an eye on him,” Ganguly asserted.