Team India head coach Ravi Shastri on Friday (December 13) revealed the real reason why Mahendra Singh Dhoni was held back during India's ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 semi-final loss to New Zealand.
After the match, questions were raised over why was MSD not sent before when India kept loosing easy wickets. A lot of fingers were raised against India's batting coach Sanjay Bangar with few reports suggesting that it was his decision to hold-back Dhoni till the very end of the innings.
"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," Shastri said during an interview with India Today.
"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.
Bowling first, India managed to restrict the Kiwis to 239/8 after the end of 50 overs. On the chase, Men In Blue's top order failed miserably as Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli were dismissed for India while facing an inform Black Caps bowling attack on the day.
It was Ravindra Jadeja's late 77 run innings, partnered with MS Dhoni's coolness that India managed to come close to actually pulling off the chase.
MSD's slow innings of 50 off 72 deliveries was also highly criticised by a lot in the end.
"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," the Indian head coach claimed.
"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 added.
Shastri then went on to revealed what the mood inside the dressing room was after India's heartbreaking 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," he said.
"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."
