New Delhi: MS Dhoni, a name that hardly needs introduction around the globe was back in his hometown Ranchi when India faced New Zealand in 4th ODI.


COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

With what might be his last ever match in front of home fans, Dhoni was expecting to lead Team India from the front for probably the last time at JSCA International Stadium Complex.


Fate wasn't in India's favour as the hosts incurred a complete middle-order failure with Mahi too scoring just 11 runs without hitting a single boundary and was eventually bowled by Neesham.


The result might not have been in the Indian ODI skipper, who made the whole stadium buzz as soon as he stepped on to the ground.



The crowd certainly loves MS Dhoni, who made the city famous around the globe.


In the post match presentation, Mahi lauded the lower order for scoring runs as India continued to lose wickets on regular intervals.


"I think we gave too many extras and too many runs early on. We could have done it still, with wickets in hand. Quite similar to the Delhi game where we kept losing wickets. It was good to see the lower order score runs, but wickets in hand would have been a good factor. I felt the wicket was best to bat in the afternoon and it kept getting slower. Older ball was not coming on. But with partnerships, this total could have been chased because the runs weren't too many."


Dhoni also revealed that he had expected due to play a part in later stages of the match, which is why he opted to bowl first.


"With dew, you tend to bowl first because our spinners are not effective and we struggle to defend totals. But so far, dew hasn't been a factor this series. We should have won in Delhi but it's not about that. We have to be at our best in the decider, against New Zealand who are an experienced side. It keeps happening at the international stage."