IPL 2017: MS Dhoni is a great captain & inspires, says Shane Warne

His finishing skills called into question by critics, Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Tuesday received firm backing from spin legend Shane Warne, who feels that former India captain doesn't need to "prove anything to anyone".

Removed from captaincy before the start of the 10th edition of the ongoing Indian Premier League, Dhoni so far has had a quiet tournament for Rising Pune Supergiant by his standards, scoring only 61 runs in five games.

Warne took to twitter to back Dhoni, who has been a phenomenal limited-overs cricketer.

"@msdhoni does not have to prove anything to anyone, he's class & a wonderful player in all formats. MS is also a great captain & inspires!," Warne wrote on his twitter page.

.@msdhoni does not have to prove anything to anyone, he's class & a wonderful player in all formats. MS is also a great captain & inspires !

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) 18 April 2017

Dhoni's strike-rate in the 10th IPL has been a dismal 87.14 with an average of shade over 15. He has managed to hit only two sixes in five games.

While he is still the undisputed No.1 keeper-batsman in the limited-overs format but inconsistent form over the past year has led to debated if he is still a potent match-winner.