MS Dhoni hit a half century (56 not out off 61) against West Indies at the ICC World Cup 2019. Later, he took a brilliant catch to dismiss Carlos Brathwaite as India bowled out the Windies for a paltry 143 to win by 125 runs to remain unbeaten in the 10-team tournament
Manchester: India captain Virat Kohli has thrown his weight behind MS Dhoni amidst criticism over his batting strike rate in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019.
The 37-year-old Dhoni was under fire for his slow batting against Afghanistan in the previous game but despite a sluggish start against West Indies on Thursday (June 27), he made up with a last-over flourish. Dhoni’s two sixes off Oshane Thomas in the 50th over helped India post 268/7.
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The wicketkeeper-batsman hit a half century (56 not out off 61). Later, he took a brilliant catch to dismiss Carlos Brathwaite as India bowled out the Windies for a paltry 143 to win by 125 runs and remain unbeaten in the 10-team tournament.
Speaking after the victory, Kohli was asked about Dhoni’s batting approach by former India batsman-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar.
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“Dhoni knows exactly what he wants to do in the middle. When he has an off day here and there, everyone starts talking. We always back him. He has won us so many games. The best thing about having someone like him is when you need those 15 to20 runs, he knows exactly how to get them,” Kohli firmly defended his former skipper.
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He added, “His experience, eight out of 10 times, works for us. He's the one guy who sends out a message about what the par score is on a pitch. If he says 265 is a good score on a pitch, we don't aim for 300 and end up scoring 230. He's a legend for us, and hopefully he'll continue.”
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The captain said for the team nothing is impossible. “Last two games, things haven't gone like we thought they would. These haven't been massive scoring games. But we've found ways of winning. Intensity has been the standout thing for me. Mindset really matters. Nothing is impossible. We feel we can win from any situation,” Kohli said.
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