The Indian team led by Virat Kohli did not get off to a good start in Australia. Playing the first ODI in Sydney against Aaron Finch’s men, India suffered a 66-run loss. Australia’s goal of 375 proved too much in the end, despite a brilliant 128-race partnership between Hardik Pandya and Shikhar Dhawan. Pandya and Dhawan each scored 50 each, but in the end, it was Adam Zampa who fired them both in quick succession, thus ending India’s hopes.
West Indian legend Michael Holding believes that India is missing a talent like MS Dhoni who never panics during a chase. Dhoni, who led India to three ICC titles as captain, retired from international cricket in August after a memorable career.
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“It was always difficult for India to pursue that. One thing India will struggle with is the loss of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. MS Dhoni reaches this Indian batting order midway and generally takes control while chasing. India has chased so well in the past with MS Dhoni on the team, ”Holding said on a Youtube chat show ‘Holding Nothing Back’.
“They have never been afraid of winning the draw and inserting the opposition because they know what MS Dhoni is capable of. This hitting lineup that they have is still very talented, we saw some talented players and a fantastic hitting game. But they still need a player like Dhoni. Not just his skills, but his strength of character, “he added.
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“We never see MS Dhoni panic at any point while India chases. He usually speeds up the chase so well because he knows his skill and knows how to carry out the chase. Whoever is batting with him is always talking to them and helping them. Fantastic batting lineup, but MS Dhoni was a special man in the chase, “he said.
India will play the second ODI against Australia in Sydney on Sunday.
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