India put up a really pale performance with the bat against New Zealand pacers in the fourth ODI and lost the game by 8 wickets after scoring just 92. The collapse which was triggered by Trent Boult, the Man of the Match, completely sucked the life out of the Indian batting line-up. They were left with no chance of revival.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes the addition of Mahendra Singh Dhoni would have made a difference at the Seddon Park in Hamilton on Thursday.

Dhoni is known for coming good in collapses and the tourists needed him to save the innings. But the 37-year-old was sitting out because of a sore hamstring. 

“His (MS Dhoni) experience comes in very handy. The fact that he has got so much experience, he can pace his innings,” Gavaskar told the official broadcasters.

“If wickets have fallen early, then Dhoni is a kind of a player who will make sure he hangs in there and accelerate towards the end of the innings. So yes, I think experience comes in very handy, no question about it. If a batsman at the other hand sticks around with him, he will add valuable runs for the team,” he added.

India and New Zealand will come one-on-one for the fifth ODI in Wellington on Sunday. India has no pressure as they have already won the series 3-1.