India vs New Zealand, 2017 - 1st ODI - 5 reasons why India lost the match

#4 Karthik and Dhoni's dismissals at key junctures

Dhoni was dismissed at a time when India was hoping that he would accelerate the scoring

Both Dinesh Karthik, who was making a comeback into the Indian side for the first time since the series against West Indies in June, and MS Dhoni, played a crucial role in the Indian innings alongside skipper Virat Kohli but their dismissals came at a crucial time in the match.

Karthik did a good job of rebuilding the innings after India had been reduced for 71-3, and he did so taking very few risks. He added 73 runs for the fourth wicket with Kohli but was dismissed for 37, falling to Tim Southee as his attempted pull shot found the fielder at fine leg.

Dhoni walked out to the crease to join Kohli in the middle and like Karthik, did well to keep the innings going but like Karthik failed to convert the start into a big score, as he was dismissed in the 41st over.

The dismissals proved crucial as India found it hard to accelerate towards the end, in spite of Kohli's presence in the middle. The hosts did post a good total on the board, but as it proved in the end, it was a little short than what was needed on this surface.