His run productivity has dropped of late, but former captain MS Dhoni is continuing to play a key role in the Indian one-day team, heading into their series against Australia.
Dhoni, who relinquished India's one-day captaincy two years ago, will bring up 50 ODI appearances against Australia if he plays in two out of the three matches.
The 37-year-old wicketkeeper/batsman, who made his ODI debut way back in 2004, averages 50 after 332 games, though he averaged just 25 last year.
Valued for his ability as a finisher, 2011 World Cup-winning captain Dhoni, who has also played 90 Tests and 93 T20 internationals, remains an asset to Virat Kohli, the man who took over his leadership of the Indian one-day side.
"All the years we've seen what sort of presence he has in the dressing room and on the field," India's one-day vice-captain Rohit Sharma said.
'With him being around there's a sense of calmness around the group which is very important.
"And a bit of help as well to the captain, because he stands behind the stumps and he's captained India for so many years and he's been such a successful captain for India.
"So for him being around with the team always is helpful and he's like a guiding light around the group.
"I think also with the batting down the order, getting us through the line, that finishing touch is very, very important."
Among those benefiting from Dhoni's vast experience are emerging bowlers Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal.
"Both are doing really well, so somebody like a MS Dhoni standing behind the stumps and helping those guys out about what the batsman is trying to do, makes a huge difference, I think," Sharma said.
"They've done really well for us, whether it's in India or outside India and one of the reasons I would say is MS.
"Because he's guided these two guys really well in the middle overs, how to keep things tight, the field placement and obviously he has helped the captain a lot in the field as well.
"'I think he has played a massive role even since the time he has left the captaincy."
