VVS Laxman backs Dhoni's inclusion for the 2019 World Cup

Laxman had earlier targetted Dhoni for his inability to start quickly in the second T20I against New Zealand that India ended up losing by a hefty margin. Laxman along with Ajit Agarkar had criticised Dhoni and had suggested that the selectors should give youngsters more chances but the former Indian skipper got support from veterans, the Indian coach, and Virat Kohli.

However, Laxman has backed Dhoni's inclusion for 2019 World Cup and believes that his experience will help Virat Kohli and Co in England. 

“I don't think Kohli is protecting Dhoni. He's above all that and he has a very important role to play in the 2019 World Cup. Kohli is handling Dhoni very well; much like (how) Sourav handled Sachin when he resigned from captaincy," Laxman told Aaj Tak.

"Kohli is giving the right opportunities to MS Dhoni and he takes help from him. He has no ego and I feel Dhoni will have to play a huge hand."

Dhoni will join the Indian squad for the limited over series against Sri Lanka after the ongoing Test series ends. On the topic of Dhoni’s inclusion in the 2019 squad, Harbhajan Singh, however, shared a bit contrasting view than Laxman as he thinks the wicketkeeper-batsman form will decide his place in the team.

"One year is a lot and in Indian cricket, there are a lot of changes every day. Experience is there but form and everything matters. Dhoni is a big player but (the) World Cup is far off and Dhoni has to keep performing to be a part of the 11," said Harbhajan.