India’s much-awaited tour of Australia got underway with the first ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday (November 27).
Opting to bat first, Australia piled up a mammoth 374/6 in 50 overs on the back of stunning centuries from Aaron Finch (114 off 124 balls) and Steve Smith (105 off 66 balls). David Warner (69 off 76 balls) and Glenn Maxwell (45 off 19 balls) also made significant contributions with the bat.
In reply, the visitors could manage 308/8 in 50 overs. Opener Shikhar Dhawan (74 off 86 balls) and all-rounder Hardik Pandya (90 off 76 balls) were the lone warriors for India during the chase.
Reflecting on India’s loss, former West Indies pacer Michael Holding said even though the Men in Blue have a star-studded batting line-up, they are missing the legendary MS Dhoni in run-chases.
Speaking on his Youtube show 'Holding Nothing Back', the fast bowling great stated that India missed the composure and control of Dhoni, who bid adieu to international cricket in August this year.
"It was always going to be difficult for India to chase that down. One thing India will struggle with is the loss of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. MS Dhoni comes in to this Indian batting order halfway down and he usually takes control while chasing. India have chased so well in the past with MS Dhoni in the team," Holding said.
"They've never been afraid to win the toss and insert the opposition because they know what MS Dhoni is capable of. This batting lineup that they've got is still very talented - we saw some talented players and fantastic strokeplay. But they still need a player like Dhoni. Not just his skills but his strength of character," he added.
"We never see MS Dhoni panicking at any stage while India are chasing. He usually paces that chase so well because he knows his ability and he knows how to go about the chase. Whoever is batting with him, he is always talking with them and helping them. Fantastic batting lineup, but MS Dhoni was a special man in the run-chase," he continued.
MS Dhoni was last seen in action during the 2020 edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) in UAE.
Dhoni led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the cash-rich tournament and also made it clear that he will feature in the IPL 2021.
