MS Dhoni has always been an inspiration to youngsters. Be it his presence or his words has been crucial to the teammates. His advice on the field to Virat Kohli is also crucial at times.
In the ongoing India vs Australia, India won the toss and chose to bat first. Nathan Coulter Nile’s spell sent Virat Kohli and Manish Pandey back for a duck. Early wickets of Rohit Sharma and Jadhav too left India under huge stress with just five wickets in 89 runs. but then again the Indian lower order came as a saviour. Thanks to Dhoni and Hardik Pandya. They took India to 281/7.
Hardik is the first choice now as the name of all-rounders come and why not as he has proved his worth in all formats of the game keeping the fans and legends of the game bewildered. He has known as a pinch hitter and his shots from the finals in ICC Champions Trophy finals to shots against Australia ODI nothing changed a bit. He did hot his three consecutive sixes for the third time. The over cost 24 runs for the Australians and also injected hope into the Indian innings. Pandya continued to take the pressure off Dhoni but was dismissed as Zampa had the last laugh in the 41st over.
But after that innings, he revealed it was Dhoni who helped him a lot and he was continuously strategizing with the man.
Pandya, when asked about how he went about the innings after a disastrous collapse, along with Dhoni said, “They [Australia] were on top, and the pressure was there. We [India] lost wickets, and it was important for me to make a partnership with MSD [Dhoni]. We were speaking how we needed to change things up. When me and Mahi bhai were batting we were looking at 230. I will take 280.”
“I was trying to hit out before the Zampa over as well. Generally my plan is hitting straight – I don’t care if long-off is there or long-on is there. If I connect well, I know I will clear the boundary,” he added.
Pandya highlighted the importance of having Dhoni in the dressing room, saying that he is an inspiration.
“It is a pleasure to play with him. I mean, I have learnt a lot from him, still learning,” Pandya said.
