MS Dhoni's form is a big relief for Team India: Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh is mighty pleased with the form of MS Dhoni in 2019. Dhoni has been in good form in the ODIs this year and was named man-of-the-series in Australia after India clinched their first-ever bilateral ODI series in Australia.

In the second ODI, Dhoni scored an unbeaten 48 in India's 90-run victory over New Zealand.

"I think there is no need to try any new player now. They [middle order] have been playing some good cricket for quite a while now. MS Dhoni's form is a big relief for all of us. Ambati [Rayudu] has done well, he has got that technique to tackle spin and pace. I have played a lot of cricket with him and he is very good batsmen. Maybe he is not having the best of the times but I am confident he will come good," Harbhajan said.

Harbhajan Singh added that only a century will put Shubman Gill in contention for the World Cup. Gill had scored 9 off 21 balls on his debut in the fourth ODI.

"There is an opportunity for young Shubman Gill to shine in the final ODI. If he scores a hundred tomorrow [on Sunday], he may get into contention for the World Cup squad," he said.

Meanwhile, former India cricketer Nikhil Chopra pointed out Team India needs the experience of "old warhorse" in tricky batting conditions like the one that was on offer in Hamilton during the fourth ODI of the ongoing series against New Zealand.

"Without a doubt [proved his importance to the team]. The old warhorse with his style of play… when you're losing wickets at regular intervals, you need a senior pro to block up one end. Also, give important advice to youngsters or whoever is batting with him [Dhoni] at the other end on how to counter the swing bowling. With his experience, you definitely need him out there in the middle," Nikhil Chopra told India Today on Saturday.