'Dhoni should have batted higher against NZ in World Cup semi-final': Virender Sehwag

Mumbai: Former India opener Virender Sehwag has stated that it could have been a completely different situation if the Indian team management sent in MS Dhoni higher up the order in the ICC World Cup 2019 semi-final against New Zealand.

India crashed out of the semi-final after they failed to chase down a target of 240 runs against the Kiwis, falling short by 18 runs.

India got off to a disastrous start, losing their first four wickets for only 24. But what baffled many fans was that former Indian skipper MS Dhoni was not sent up the order by the team management.

“If MS Dhoni had come up to bat against New Zealand, the situation could have been different. Dhoni should have batted when India needed to build the innings,” Sehwag said.

Sehwag also stated that India would have been better off having Hardik Pandya at No. 7. “Hardik could have batted down the order when 9+ runs were needed. Hardik and Pant could have chased down the high required rate if they came down the order,” Sehwag further added.

India had already crumpled to 90 at the loss of six wickets when Dhoni and Jadeja initiated the task of rebuilding the innings for the team. The duo stitched a 116-run partnership for the seventh wicket before Jadeja departed after scoring a vital knock of 77 runs.

Dhoni was run out for 50 in the penultimate over of the innings, leading to India's defeat in the tournament.