Both MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav failed to show intent. They did not go for big hits and India’s lone six of the innings came from Dhoni in the final over when India were out of the World Cup 2019 game against England. Dhoni-Jadhav partnership faced 31 balls (seven dot balls, 20 singles, three fours and one six)
Birmingham: It was bizarre batting by MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav against England as India failed in their run chase of 338 at the ICC World Cup 2019 in Birmingham on Sunday (June 30). And, the duo came in for criticism from former players and fans.
Also read: Rohit Sharma explains why India failed
When Dhoni arrived at the crease, India were 226/4, further needing 102 off 65. In the end, the former skipper walked back to the pavilion 42 not out off 31 balls. Jadhav was 12 not out off 13 balls. And, India lost by 31 runs. India ended at 306/5.
Also read: World Cup 2019 format, rain rules, Super Over and other playing conditions
Both Dhoni and Jadhav failed to show intent. They did not go for big hits and India’s lone six of the innings came from Dhoni in the final over when India were out of the game. Dhoni-Jadhav partnership faced 31 balls (seven dot balls, 20 singles, three fours and one six).
Also read: Full schedule of India matches at World Cup with start times, live TV, streaming info
The crowd at Edgbaston started booing Indian batsmen as they failed to go for big hits. After the match India captain Virat Kohli defended Dhoni and Jadhav.
Also read: India-England match report
Here are some of the reactions from former players to Dhoni-Jadhav partnership.
“It’s up to the discussions with the two guys in there. ‘MS was trying really hard to get the boundaries. It wasn’t easy because they were bowling really well. ‘When the run-rate got to 14-15 it became tough. We will sit down and assess and try to improve in the next game.”
"I am completely baffled. What’s going on! This is not what India needed. They need runs. What are they doing? Some Indian fans are leaving now. Surely they must want to see Dhoni go for his shots, even if he slogs it off in the air. It's a World Cup game, top 2 sides, give it a go! Indian fans would want their side to do a little bit more. They want their side to go down with a fight. Risk it to win it," said Hussain during the last 10 overs of India's chase.”
"I don't have an explanation for that. You asked me the question but I can't explain these singles. It's also the length and the bounce that has deceived the Indian batsmen. You can't be chasing 338 and still have 5 wickets in the end. It's about mindset and the way you look at the game. The message had to be clear: no matter where it comes and no matter where the ball lands you have to find the boundary. A dot ball at this stage."
“It was bizarre. ‘These guys have finished games so many times before and from harder positions. They didn’t really play a shot towards the end,” McCullum told Sky Sports
“But I also thought Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav didn’t have the right intent. I expecting to see them clearing their front leg and trying to hit sixes every ball but they were just nurdling it around. ‘They had to go all out to try and win the game. It didn’t matter if they lost at that point because it felt like they were going to lose anyway,” Vettori told espncricinfo
“It was not case of nurdling it around and getting a not out. You have to try and hit balls rather than nurdle. ‘I’m not saying they would have won and you can’t blame them for the loss, but at least go down fighting.”
“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 England for bouncing back so strongly.”
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