ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav failed to keep going when the asking rate was over 15 in the last 5 overs of India’s unsuccessful chase of 338 against England in Birmingham.
England beats India by 31 runs in Birmingham on Sunday. Chasing 338, India required around 15 RPO in the last 5 five overs. While the stage was set for MS Dhoni and Kedar to show some guts, the two showed no intent and were happy to knock it around for singles.
This resulted in India’s first defeat in the ICC World Cup 2019. MS Dhoni remained not out with 42 runs from 31 balls but his lack of intent to even try for a win has become a talking point now. Apart from cricket fans, Dhoni’s slow approach has left cricket experts baffled and furious.
India was well in the game till the dismissal of Hardik Pandya who scored 45 from 33. However, his departure put the team under pressure. Dhoni and Jadhav added 31 from 39 balls when the asking rate was around 15.
The commentators have no answer and explanation to Dhoni’s approach. Former England skipper Nasser Hussain stated that the fans would have been disappointed seeing this approach from India. Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar took to Twitter and questioned Dhoni’s approach.
Here’s a look at some tweets:
If there was any team that had the ability to stop India’s winning run. It was England. Dhoni’s approach in the last few overs however was baffling. 🤔
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) June 30, 2019
Terrible display of spirit by MSD & Jadhav. Didn’t even look like they were attempting to win the game. Disappointed.
Also, better luck next time neighbours. #INDvsENG #Pakistan #CWC19
— Akshaye Rathi / अक्षय राठी 🇮🇳 (@akshayerathi) June 30, 2019
Dhoni and Jadhav doing very well on Day 4 last session of this edgbadston test. All to play for tomorrow. #CWC19 #INDvENG
— Rahul Ganjoo (@elegantlywasted) June 30, 2019
Last 10 overs 72 /1. Would have been happier with 290 all out than 306/5. So important to analyse stats n not take them on face value. Credit to #eng for bouncing back so strongly #ENGvIND #CWC19
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) June 30, 2019
https://twitter.com/Neetahoon/status/1145392351738654720
Whole Pakistan watching Dhoni's batting. #INDvENG#indiavsEngland pic.twitter.com/4lsd3OZN0f
— Javed (@iamthejaved) June 30, 2019
Indians watching dhoni play last 5 overs pic.twitter.com/PzbKkgVaxE
— Æ (@EngineeRoholic) June 30, 2019
Dhoni & Jadhav scored 39 runs off last 31 balls for the SIXTH wicket! That is beyond explanation! #INDvENG
— Satish Acharya (@satishacharya) June 30, 2019
Dhoni ko orange nahi, yellow T-shirt pehna do. Phir dekho.#ENGvCSK
— Aniruddha Guha (@AniGuha) June 30, 2019
Kohli:Why You Don't even Try..? Dhoni And Kedar Jadhav:#indiavsEngland #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/d9zshrOLTu
— कह_के_लेंगे (@yashrajput_13) June 30, 2019
Kohli:Why You Don't even Try..? Dhoni And Kedar Jadhav:#indiavsEngland #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/d9zshrOLTu
— कह_के_लेंगे (@yashrajput_13) June 30, 2019
With England defeated India on Sunday, Pakistan will have to beat Bangladesh and hope New Zealand beat England on Wednesday. On the other hand, India needs to defeat one of their next 2 opponents, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to make it to the semis.