MS Dhoni should be in the squad of India's T20 World Cup even if he does not play the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), due to the coronavirus outbreak, says his childhood coach Keshav Banerjee.

The IPL, which was earlier decided to take place from March 31, had already been postponed to April 15 and now it could be cancelled after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 21-day lockdown in India which began Wednesday to fight the novel coronavirus pandemic.

India head coach Ravi Shastri had told IANS last year that the IPL will play a key role to decide the future of Dhoni, who will turn 39 in July. However, he had started practising with his team Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chennai but later it was postponed too after the IPL was pushed back.

"In a World Cup, you need experience. Rishabh Pant is still learning and KL Rahul as a keeper for a World Cup, I don't think that's the best idea when Dhoni is available for selection," Banerjee told IANS from Ranchi.

"We all know what Dhoni brings to the table. The bowlers speak about it all the time. Sure, he was ready for the IPL and he hasn't played since the World Cup but I have spoken to him and I have seen him practice in Chennai, he never looked like he was away for so long," he further said.

He further added that Dhoni is very cool and he did not see him worried or anything. He wore that smile which can be helpful as well. However, legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag have said that it will be difficult for Dhoni to return to the fold.

"This Indian team still needs him in a World Cup. Behind the wicket, he is an asset and in the middle, he still binds the innings together," Banerjee added, backing his student who led India to 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 50-over World Cup titles apart from winning the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy as captain.