Australia spin legend Shane Warne defended MS Dhoni after the India veteran was criticized for his performance in the World Cup semi-final defeat to New Zealand on Wednesday.
Dhoni has endured a mixed World Cup, with a number of his innings drawing criticism from the fans and former cricketers. He scored 50 off 72 balls at Old Trafford in Manchester as India lost by 18 runs while chasing New Zealand’s total of 239/8.
But speaking to the official broadcaster, Warne said: “He (Dhoni) was only a couple of boundaries away from winning the game when he got out.
“We’re watching it thinking he’s leaving it to late but he may have timed it perfectly had he not been run out. That being said, he does rely a lot on his partner.”
India appeared in a hopeless position at 5 for three in their reply but Ravindra Jadeja gave the two-time World Cup champions an outside chance with a brilliant 59-ball 77.
7️⃣7️⃣ runs
4️⃣ fours
4️⃣ sixesRavindra Jadeja was batting on a different pitch to everyone else during #INDvNZ in Manchester! @Oppo | #BeAShotMaker pic.twitter.com/L0JNEvB0au
— ICC (@ICC) July 11, 2019
And Warne added: “Jadeja was incredible. Some people seem more up for it on the biggest stage and that sums Jadeja up.
“He’s such a good cricketer. India were gone when he came out to bat. They fought back and you thought they would get it done. It was just a brilliant game of cricket.”
