India’s shocking exit from the semi-final stage of the ICC World Cup 2019 attracted a lot of criticisms. One of the theories questioned the decision of team management of sending Mahendra Singh Dhoni at number 7. As many experts have their say on this, Suresh Raina has his own opinion as well.
Raina bats for Dhoni
After India’s loss to New Zealand in the semi-final, cricket legends like Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman did not support India sending Dhoni at number 7. The loss to the Kiwis by a margin of 18-run, could have been avoided according to them if Dhoni would have been sent while India lost four quick wickets in the span of ten-overs.
Recently, Indian cricketer Suresh Raina echoed the same thought. In an interview with the Hindu Raina said, “Had he (Dhoni) come earlier, he could have guided Pant and then we still had Pandya and Jadeja. Even then he kept India in the fight till the very end and we would have won but for the direct hit from Guptill.”
Speaking about Dhoni’s career Raina said only Dhoni should take the decision on the same.
Raina has a solution for No. 4
Raina, who once batted for India at number 4 position, was also asked about the solution to the same. The much-debated top saw India trying a number of players for the same role but yet to find a suitable answer with. Raina, who did not hang up his boot yet opined that he still can bat for India at the same position. Raina suggested, “I can be the No. 4 for India. I have batted in that slot before and delivered. I am looking forward to an opportunity with two T20 World Cups coming up.” Raina has played 226 ODIs so far and 78 T20Is. Now it will be interesting to see whether the Indian team management feels the same way as him.
