India vs New Zealand, 4th ODI: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis

#1 India miss MS Dhoni in the middle order

India sorely missed the services of MS Dhoni

For the second game running, MS Dhoni was not a part of the eleven due to the wicket-keeper nursing a hamstring injury. While his absence didn’t count for a lot in the 3rd ODI, he was sorely missed as India crumbled at Hamilton.

Dhoni, who once started out as a belligerent batsman adapted his game over time. Nowadays, the wicket-keeper is more of a fail-safe option if the top order is nipped out in a bud.

Recently, he arrested a potential slide at Sydney. Though he couldn’t take his team home on that occasion, he certainly brought India within touching distance of victory.

In the past too, MS has been on the end of several rescue missions. His tremendous hundred against Pakistan at Chennai quickly springs to mind while his ton against England at Cuttack isn’t too far off either.

Thus, on a day when he wasn’t even part of the eleven, he emphasised how vital he is to the Indian scheme of things.

MS might not be the dasher of yesteryear but everything on this planet has to evolve with the changing times.

Though ‘Dhoni: The Hitter’ might yet be cherished, ‘Dhoni: The Crisis Man’ could just be a tad more important.