Many cricket experts and fans had criticised India’s decision to send MS Dhoni at No. 7 in India’s run chase against New Zealand in the first World Cup semifinal at Old Trafford, Manchester. Even the commentators who were on air scrutinised the team management’s decision.

It was only when India were 5 down for 71 that Dhoni came in to join hands with Hardik Pandya in the run chase in the 23rd over of the innings. Pandya was dismissed soon after and it was only then that Ravindra Jadeja and Dhoni could stitch a match reviving partnership for India.

However, the duo failed to finish the match for India with Jadeja getting dismissed in the 48th over and then Dhoni getting run out soon after to end India’s World Cup hopes.

Former players like Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar were not at all impressed with the team’s batting order and felt that Dhoni should have come in a little earlier.

However, head coach Ravi Shastri has defended the team’s decision to send Dhoni lower down the order.

“It was a team decision. Everyone was in with it – and it was a simple decision, too. Last thing you wanted was Dhoni coming out to bat early and getting out – that would have killed the chase. We needed his experience later.

“He is the greatest finisher of all times – and it would have been criminal to not make use of him in that way. The whole team was clear on it

“And Rishabh Pant did look pretty secure when he got out to bat, even against (New Zealand fast bowler) Trent Boult, didn’t he? You could then say that if Pant had continued and not got out but that’s sport. You grow up in quick time. He will learn, he already knows it. But I am happy that the team showed spunk. They didn’t give up even after losing Pant and Pandya. What a fightback that was,” Shastri told The Indian Express.

Even when Jadeja got out, the equation for a win was very much within India’s reach with Dhoni still out there – 32 runs needed in 13 balls. However, Martin Guptill’s direct hit from the deep ran Dhoni out and broke a billion hearts back in India.

“He (Dhoni) was magnificent. The composure in the situation. And let me tell you, if not for that unfortunate run out, I think he had his calculations going inside his head. Which ball to hit, how much to keep for (James) Neesham’s last over. You could see his brain was ticking. He wanted to do it so desperately and it was clear on his face,” Shastri said.

India eventually fell short by 18 runs, a margin which will haunt India till the next World Cup in 2023.