A question that kept everyone intrigued after India's defeat against New Zealand in the World Cup 2019 semi-final was – why MS Dhoni was not sent earlier in the batting order?
India had found themselves in trouble with three down for just five runs and needed someone like Dhoni to arrest the collapse, but the team management decided to play him at No. 7.
In an exclusive chat with India Today, India head coach Ravi Shastri on Friday (December 13) gave an explanation for pushing Dhoni down the order.
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"Absolutely not (on whether India should have promoted Dhoni). Because at 5 for 3, had Dhoni gone, the game was over. But with Dhoni in the 48th over, with his computer out. Oh you were very much in the game but for that run-out.
"And what is Dhoni's strength. I will argue with anyone who wants to argue. What is Dhoni's strength? What is he known for? The best finisher in the game. So where should he be batting....at the finish or at the top?” he said.
In the semi-final, Dhoni had put up a 116-run stand for the seventh wicket with Ravindra Jadeja, who played a knock of his life to change the course of the match. After Jadeja’s dismissal on 59-ball 77, Dhoni had a tough task (30 runs off 12 balls) at hand which he might have pulled off if it was not for Martin Guptill’s direct-hit.
Dhoni was run out for 72-ball 50 in the penultimate over as India eventually fell 18 runs short of New Zealand’s target.
"So, Jadeja made things happen. It was a brilliant inning, we were nowhere. He made the game and there was the perfect orchestrator there, MS to finish it off. And I will tell you what, his computer was out. He knew who is going to bowl one over or six balls were calculated. It was all in his computer, but for that run-out but that's the game," Shastri remarked.
"We lost by 16 (18 runs). He got out at 10 balls to spare. 10 balls to spare, MS Dhoni and 20 needed. You are talking about the best finisher in the game, there is an over up his sleeves that is calculated. What is 20 in 10, 2 hits over the rope it is 8 in 8. It is a tough pill to swallow,” he continued.
The India head coach also revealed the mood of the camp after that agonizing loss.
"We guys had a lot to learn from them. It was a really tough pill to swallow. I don't think anyone spoke to each other for a day or so. It was hard, but you play sport. The men play this game. Proper men. Learn from that experience and move on. That's why I respect this team," Shastri said.
