The recent India vs Australia ODI series that concluded saw the visitors come out as victors after they overturned a 0-2 scoreline to win it 3-2. India, who after winning the first 2 ODIs decided to tinker with the squad. This resulted in MS Dhoni being rested for the final two games.
When Australia put up a total of 272 on board at Delhi, a usual Indian side should have eased past the total considering they have done it on a regular basis at home. But the side lost wickets in quick intervals and crumbled, falling short by 35 runs.
While there are a number of reasons that can be put forward for the loss, many believe that the absence of MS Dhoni’s presence out on the field was the primary cause for the collapse.
Former Australian captain Michael Clarke took to twitter to highlight the very same point right after the conclusion of the match. “Never underestimate the importance of MSD – experience in the middle order is so important,” Clarke wrote on his twitter handle praising the 2011 world cup winning captain.
Never underestimate the importance of MSD- experience in the middle order is so important https://t.co/hcUcGZeIIh
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) March 13, 2019
It was clearly seen on the field that Pant, who was roped in to as a replacement for Dhoni failed to fill his shoes and had a very poor outing. Batting wise, the inexperience of the middle order batsmen was in spotlight as they failed to understand the situation and threw away their wickets cheaply.
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