ICC World Cup 2019 ended almost two months ago still there were some games which get discussed even now. One is obviously the final and the other is the India-New Zealand World Cup semi-final. It was a case of so close and yet so far for the Virat Kohli’s Team India. However, another debating point is the MS Dhoni batting at no.7 in the semi-final against New Zealand.
Chasing 240 in a high-pressure game, Team India was reduced to 24 for 4 in the first powerplay. Despite being in deep trouble, the team management opted to send Hardik Pandya ahead of Dhoni, who had been playing the sheet anchor’s role in such situations in the past. He had taken the team out of danger in similar situations.
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It was only in the 23rd over when Rishabh Pant got out, Dhoni came out to bat. When the Indian fans lost all hopes, he along with Ravindra Jadeja who played a phenomenal knock revived and brought India back in the game. In fact, it was Dhoni’s wicket in the penultimate over that decided the fate of the match.
In an exclusive chat with Aaj Tak, the former Indian all-rounder. Yuvraj Singh also couldn’t digest the fact that Dhoni was held back. He said, “I was very surprised that MS came in to bat at No. 7. I felt that he should have batted higher being the most experienced. I don’t know what the team management thought. Anyways it’s done now.”
The No. 4 position in the Indian ODI squad has been one of the most debated topics in cricketing circles in the recent past. Yuvraj was one among the many and when he was asked about the same, he said that the selectors should’ve given more importance to the No. 4 position a lot earlier.
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Talking about the same, Yuvraj added, “Before the WC, we lost to Australia and Rayudu had a bad tournament and suddenly Vijay Shankar came in. The selectors should have understood the importance of the No. 4 position, especially in England. Vijay Shankar and Rishabh Pant didn’t have that experience. Dinesh Karthik was an experienced guy but was sitting out and suddenly goes to bat in the semis. So I really didn’t understand the thinking. I think that was the main reason why India didn’t win the WC.”
