MS Dhoni's absence against Australia in final 2 ODIs left 'big gap' in Indian side, reckons David Warner

The Indian Premier League 2019 is set to begin from today as Chennai Super Kings lock horns against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in the tournament opener. The match will also mark the comeback of the IPL rivalry between two of India’s biggest cricket heroes of present – MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli – as the duo gear up to move on from the recent 3-2 ODI series defeat against Australia.

IPL 2019 will also mark a return of David Warner, who was barred from playing the IPL 2018 owing to the ball tampering charges against him. Looking back at the recently concluded ODI series between India and Australia, Warner said that India missed the presence of Dhoni in the last two matches.

The Ranchi-born batsman was rested for the last two matches of the series as India threw away their 2-0 lead to lose the series 3-2 against Aaron Finch and Co. Warner said that Dhoni’s absence left a ‘big gap and a big hole.’ Warner further praised Dhoni by saying the impact which he has on the side is massive.

"We know MS wasn't playing the last couple of games and you know from the Australian point of view, I thought 'that's a big gap, a big hole and we've got a chance', Warner told India Today.

"That's the impact one player like him has from an opposition's point of view. These are the headaches a lot of teams will have when they are selecting their 15," Warner added.

Warner has been a crucial player for Sunrisers Hyderabad and the Aussie batter has amassed 4014 runs in 114 IPL matches at a brilliant average of 40.54. The Aussie opener also has three centuries and 36 half-centuries to his name, making him one of the most deadly batsmen to play against. IPL 2019 will also be crucial for Warner as he gears up to impress the Australian selectors and make a return to the Australian team for the World Cup 2019, which starts from May 30 in England and Wales.