Sunil Gavaskar invokes Tiger Woods to predict MS Dhoni's fortunes

New Delhi: Batting great Sunil Gavaskar has predicted tough times ahead of India limited overs' captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni even as the team gets ready for a five-match ODI series against New Zealand.

Respected for his keen and accurate reading of the game, Gavaskar told NDTV that it will be difficult for the skipper to find his mojo when he returns to international cricket on Sunday at Dharamsala.

Gavaskar even invoked the plight of former world number one golfer Tiger Woods to make a light parable of Dhoni's likely predicament.

"It will be extremely challenging for Dhoni to switch on. Look at Tiger Woods, it is very difficult to catch up when you are in your 30s," Gavaskar told NDTV.

Woods, regarded as one of the greatest ever golfers, failed to impress after hitting 30's with subsequent injury issues creeping into his game. And currently, the 14-time Major winner is struggling to make a return on course.

A little examination proved that Gavaskar was only stating the obvious, and sharing his experience.

The 35-year-old enters the ODI series on reputation, without proper match practice. And against a top team like New Zealand, it can backfire for him.

Last time, Dhoni played an international match against was in August, when India played West Indies in a hurriedly organised Twenty20 series in Lauderhill, USA.

In contrast, Gavaskar heaped praise on Virat Kohli, who had led India to Test series whitewash. The legend said that Kohli will be India's key player in the absence of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

"Virat Kohli will be key player for India and of course, the bowlers if they bowl the right areas," he added.

India and New Zealand will play a five-match ODI series starting Sunday at Dharamsala. Despite India winning the Test series 3-0, the ODIs will be a different challenge for the hosts as the Kiwis are not only ranked higher, but also known to be a fierce compeititors when it comes to limited overs cricket.