Debasis Sen, Manchester: Indian captain Virat Kohli on Wednesday provided a significant update on MS Dhoni’s future following his team’s 18 runs loss against New Zealand in the first semi final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 at Old Trafford. There has been a lot of speculation that veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Dhoni will hang his boots from international cricket post the World Cup.
On being asked about Dhoni’s retirement in the post match press conference, Kohli said, “He (Dhoni) has not spoken to me or any member of the team about his future plans.”
The Men in Blue failed to chase down the 240-run target set by the Black Caps on a tricky Old Trafford track. Batting first, New Zealand posted 239/8 in 50 overs following solid knocks by Captain Kane Williamson (67) and Ross Taylor (74).
However, the overcast conditions and moisture worked wonders for the Kiwi new ball attack as they reduced India to three for five within 3.1 overs. The top three batsmen in the Indian batting line-up- Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli were all dismissed by Matt Henry and Trent Boult.
The innings were resurrected somewhat by Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya before Dhoni and Jadeja took over, stitching a partnership of 111 runs. But a brilliant run out from Martin Guptill ended the 38-year-old’s innings and as a result, India bowed out of the marquee event.
The Indian team members locked themselves for almost one and half hours inside the Old Trafford dressing room, discussing the reason for the debacle. The cricketers will start leaving Manchester from Thursday depending upon the availability of flight tickets.