‘Come on, it's just two innings’ – Mike Hussey rubbishes talk about Dhoni’s form

Dhoni scored 37 and 42 in his two outings in the one-day internationals, but they came at strike rates of 62.71 and 63.63, and India went on to lose both matches, conceding the ODI series 2-1.

It led to suggestions that Dhoni was past his best – the crowd at Lord’s even booed him – and generated a debate on when legends should retire.

However, Hussey, who was first Dhoni’s team-mate and then batting coach at Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, is having none of it.

“It’s just two innings, come on! We know how MS plays – he takes some time in the middle,” Hussey was quoted as saying by The Times of India. “He has got the power to catch up in the end. He plays according to the situation. I wouldn’t be reading too much into it.

“He has been a great player for such a long time and his experience will play a crucial role in the upcoming World Cup, especially, his ‘keeping skills and his power at the end of the innings. You should never write off a champion player.”

As for his pick at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, which is under a year away, Hussey touted Australia as strong contenders, while acknowledging the difficulties the team has, and will have, to face in the lead-up to the tournament. That said, he did say England were favourites.

“It’s going to be hard to pick a winner – four to five teams are good enough to go all the way. I hope Australia gets there,” he said. “It’s not been an ideal preparation for us with players getting injured and suspended. You want your team to settle down with the World Cup coming up. Despite all the issues, the players who are part of the team are really good. If they can get their momentum going and have a bit of luck with confidence, Australia can be up there.

“England is the favourite at the moment, playing in home conditions. But, there is a lot of pressure that comes with playing at home. It will be interesting to see how they handle the pressure. India and Pakistan are two top ODI nations, who have been playing some quality ODI cricket. If they can get their confidence up, with no injuries, they have a chance as well.”

However, in the upcoming Test series between England and India, Hussey doesn’t think England are favourites, despite playing at home. The heatwave in England has something to do with that – Hussey feels it will make pitches drier and more receptive to spin.

“I am really interested to see how it goes, especially because it is being played at the back end of the season and it has been a warm summer in England,” said Hussey. “The pitches might actually aid spin, which will definitely bring India into the game a bit.”

With that in mind, Hussey also weighed in on the big question surrounding India – which spinner will they opt for? R Ashwin, the experienced veteran, or Kuldeep Yadav, the young left-arm wrist-spinner who troubled England in the limited-overs series? Hussey is rooting for the former.

“Ashwin has been an amazing Test player for a long time. If Ashwin is not fit, Kuldeep could get a game and I am sure he will do well,” he said. “He is a talented young player. But, at the same time, Ashwin should be the first preference as he has earned that spot over a long period of time. There is a plenty of time for Kuldeep to come in.”

Hussey also tipped Virat Kohli, the India captain, to come good in England this time around – in 2014, the ace batsman managed just 134 runs in five Tests.

“It will be interesting to see how Virat plays,” said Hussey. “I am sure he will score many runs. Once he gets his confidence up, it is going to be hard to stop him. There has been plenty of talk about his performance in England.”