India's MS Dhoni in action against Afghanistan during Asia Cup 2018 Super Four clash | Photo Credit: AP

With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) all set to announce the ODI squad for the Australia and New Zealand series and the T20I squad for the contest against the Blackcaps in the next 24 hours, the return of the veteran Indian cricketer MS Dhoni is certain if reports are claimed to be true. The expected squad for the two ODI series that are slated to happen in the start of 2019 will mostly be the side that India would be expected to field at the World Cup in summer in England and Wales. (Also Read: MS Dhoni returns to T20I squad for series against New Zealand; Rishabh Pant dropped from ODIs)

Dhoni had last featured in the Indian blue against West Indies in a three-match contest in late October. However, his performance with the bat has been a big concern for India. He averages only 25 in 2018 from 13 innings - his lowest since his year of debut. In fact, in his last seven international matches, he recorded the scores of 23, 7, 20, 36, 8, 33, 0.

But Dhoni's overall contribution to the ODI team is much more than his dismal batting scores. Apart from his lightning-quick stumpings, his experience comes handy while guiding youngsters and even Virat Kohli at times. And adding to it, Chief Indian Selector MSK Prasad had already confirmed Dhoni as the first-choice wicketkeeper for the World Cup.

Mumbai Mirror reports that Dhoni stands in fray for ODI selection for the upcoming series and is also expected to be part of the three-match T20I series against New Zealand. Dhoni was dropped from India's T20I squad in the last six games - three against West Indies and three against Australia - with Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik filling in the gap.

Mumbai Mirror adds that Pant too is certain for ODI and T20I selection, however, for Karthik it stands on thin ice. And joining Karthik is KL Rahul following his poor Test form in the ongoing series against Australia. The rest of the squad are expected to find their name on the list.

India will play three ODIs against Australia - January 12 (Sydney), 15 (Adelaide) and 18 (Melbourne). It will be followed by a five-match ODI contest against New Zealand - January 23, 26, 28, 31and February 3. And then a T20I series against the Blackcaps - on February 6, 8 and 10.