Australia vs India, 2nd ODI: Dhoni's modest wave after the win
What's the story?
India got the much-needed win against Australia in the second ODI which helped the team to level the series. In the first innings, Shaun Marsh batted brilliantly for the hosts and scored his fourth ODI century in the last six months. But unfortunately, all four came in a losing cause including the recently-concluded second ODI against India.
All thanks to the scintillating knock by the Indian skipper Virat Kohli as he scored the 24th century while chasing. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the star with the ball, as he, in his economical spell, picked four valuable wickets.
Once Kohli got out, The veterans MS Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik ensured India reaches the target without any trouble. The Tamil Nadu batsman started to smash the ball as soon as he came to the crease and increased the tempo. Dhoni eventually smashed a six in the last over and then took a single off the second ball which made India win the match with four balls to spare. After the win, Dhoni showed a modest wave as the job was done.
In case you don't know:
Dhoni's recent form has been under debate across media. Many felt that the former Indian captain had lost his old finishing touch. It was evident in the recent innings he played that, albeit, he initially takes time before accelerating but after he has settled down, he goes on to chase down the target.
Howbeit, the 38-year old failed to score a half-century in ODIs in 2018 and was also dropped for the T20I series against the Aussies but selectors said the decisions they took was keeping the coming future in mind. Also, they confirmed Dhoni is still a part of 2019 World Cup set up.
And as Dhoni returned for the first ODI, India lost four wickets for three runs. The former cricketer came and steadied the ship along with Rohit Sharma. However, the former Indian captain consumed too many deliveries to complete his half-century and was given out on a controversial LBW on a controversial fashion. India eventually lost the match and many pointed fingers at Dhoni for his slow innings as the reason for the defeat.
In the second game too, MSD came in at a crucial moment, However, this time, he played kept rotating the strike to give major strikes to Kohli. Once Kohli got out, Dhoni and Karthik ensured India wins the match. Special Thanks to Dinesh Karthik who played a vital cameo that took off the pressure from Dhoni.
The Jharkhand-born smashed a six in the last over and forgot that he had completed his 50. The veteran showed muted celebration in the form of a modest wave to acknowledge the win as he ran for the winning runs in the second ball of the final over.
What's next?
The veteran's innings in the second ODI was appreciated by everyone, including those who had earlier criticized him. Even Kohli voiced out in favor of his former captain. It is needless to say that this will give him the much-needed confidence in the remaining ODIs that India plays the before the World Cup.
We all know that all eyes will be on none-other than Dhoni himself whenever he comes out to bat since his form will be key for India in the upcoming ODI World cup.