MS Dhoni has disagreed with Indian cricket team captain, Virat Kohli, over resting the key fast bowlers throughout the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 season. On the contrary, the former Indian captain has voiced his opinion saying that IPL is instead the best platform to prepare themselves for the ICC World Cup event in England, which is scheduled to take place immediately after the IPL.

While speaking at a book launch of N Srinivasan – former BCCI President – MS Dhoni said that IPL would be the ideal platform for the best players to hone their skills for the World Cup. Rather, it would be their food preferences and sleep time that would be more crucial during the same period. MS Dhoni Named Number Plate Found in Los Angeles Leaves CSK stunned!

MS Dhoni said, “Bowling four overs won't make you tired. The four overs actually keeps you at your best; you are bowling the yorkers, bowling the variation and playing under pressure. I feel the bowlers can still play the whole of the IPL but what they need to manage is what they eat, when they sleep and wake up.”

The former Indian captain further added, “I would like them to be at their best when it comes to the skill factor. I always felt IPL was the best time to get in shape because I had a lot of time. I was playing only three and a half hours every third day, and it gave me time to spend in the gym.” 'Aye MS Dhoni, Kaisan Ba?' This Cute Conversation Between Dhoni and Daughter Ziva Will Melt Your Hearts! (Watch Video).

The suggestion put forward by the captain Virat Kohli seemed to have received mixed responses. Rohit Sharma had also put forth a different take. Rohit had said, “If Mumbai Indians reach Play Offs or finals and if Bumrah happens to be fit, then I cannot afford to rest him.”

Surprisingly, former Indian coach Anil Kumble backed Virat Kohli’s idea. Kumble said, “One of the most important parts of preparation will be keeping the bowlers fresh as there is a lot of cricket coming up from now till the start of the World Cup. Even though franchisees may not like the idea of resting India bowlers, but for the country’s sake, it has to be considered.” Virat Kohli-led India Takes Big Break Before Crucial Boxing Day Test Match! Is This Why Ravi Shastri Was Chosen Over Disciplinarian Anil Kumble?

India will be playing ODI series against Australia, ODI and T20I series against New Zealand, and an ODI series against Zimbabwe ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019; not to forget the 12th IPL season.

The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup is scheduled to begin on May 30 and will continue till July 14. The IPL, on the contrary, is likely to start in the first week of April and continue till the third week of May. It will be interesting to see if there is any formal decision taken on the same. Stay tuned with us for the latest updates about Indian Cricket!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 29, 2018 08:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).