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  Mahendra Singh Dhoni eyes series win on Ranchi return

Mahendra Singh Dhoni eyes series win on Ranchi return

PTI
Published : Oct 26, 2016, 2:38 am IST
Updated : Oct 26, 2016, 2:38 am IST

Rediscovering himself in the twilight of his career, a rejuvenated Mahendra Singh Dhoni will look to continue his regained form and guide India to a series-clinching win when they take on New Zealand

Rediscovering himself in the twilight of his career, a rejuvenated Mahendra Singh Dhoni will look to continue his regained form and guide India to a series-clinching win when they take on New Zealand in the fourth ODI, here on Wedn- esday.

A batsman, wicketkeeper, and a cool- headed skipper, all rolled into one, Dhoni promoted himself to no. 4 in the last ODI in Mohali and set up the seven-wicket win in the company of Virat Kohli to give the hosts a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

Dhoni’s 91-ball 80 in Mohali also took him to the club of 9,000 runs. He became the first to reach there with an average of 50 or more.

The limited-overs captain and Ranchi’s favourite son may be seen in his last appearance at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association Stadium Complex here which has hosted three ODIs and one T20I, with India winning all of them except for a rain-marred one-dayer.

Dhoni’s deputy, Kohli, will also look forward to return to the venue where he has scores of 77 not out and 139 not out in his two unconquered ODI innings here.

Regarded among the best batsmen of modern era, Kohli once again showed how dangerous he can be after being dropped early in his innings in Mohali. He came on his own after the reprieve on six and scripted a flawless 154 not out off 134 balls to take India past New Zealand’s 285 in the third ODI.

It was Kohli’s 26th century — 22 in winning cause, same as Sachin Tendulkar — and 14 in successful chases.

And come Wednesday, stopping the 27-year-old Delhi batsman would be a first in New Zealand’s wishlist.

In their decisive 151-run third wicket partnership, Dhoni showed a renewed optimism and hunger while Kohli was at his clinical best.

To say that Dhoni is past his prime would be too early but the 35-year-old has himself acknowledged his diminishing prowess in Mohali, something that prompted him to elevate himself to no. 4 in the batting line-up.

Back home where it all began for Dhoni, it will be an emotional match for the Indian skipper, who has won every ICC Trophy and he would look to make the outing a memorable one.

Dhoni’s return to form would be a dangerous signal for the Kiwis.

ODIs at Ranchi England 155 in 42.2 overs (Joe Root 39, Ravindra Jadeja 3/19) lost to India 157/3 in 28.1 overs (Virat Kohli 77*)

Australia 298/8 in 50 overs (George Bailey 98, Glenn Maxwell 92, Mohammed Shami 3/32) vs India 27/0 in 4.1 overs. Match abandoned due to rain

Sri Lanka 286/8 in 50 overs (Angelo Mathews 139*, Lahiru Thirimanne 52, Dhawal Kulkarni 3/57) lost to India 288/7 in 48.4 overs (Virat Kohli 139*, Ambati Rayudu 59, Ajantha Mendis 4/73). — S. PERVEZ QAISER

Hardik looks up to Virat and MSD He believes that his game thrives well in pressure situations and Hardik Pandya does not have to look too far as he has both Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli for “inspiration.”

“There’s a lot to learn when both (Kohli and Dhoni) of them bat. Their batting, running between wickets inspire us. It’s at another level. It’s fun to watch them bat together,” Pandya paid glowing tributes to his seniors on the eve of their fourth ODI against New Zealand in Ranchi.

A 151-run match-winning partnership between Dhoni (80) and Kohli (154 not out) set up their seven-wicket win in Mohali as India will look to seal the issue in the five-match rubber here on Wednesday.

Dhoni looks to have regained his destructive form after promoting him to number four and Pandya said it’s exciting time for Team India. “It shows positive intent. I enjoyed his (Dhoni) batting. As batsman, whatever number I bat at, we should play according to situation. It’s a job for everyone. It gives us confidence for someone who bats lower down the order. It’s pretty good.”

While he is enjoying Dhoni’s approach to batsmanship after the skipper promoted himself up the order, Pandya’s ready to bat anywhere.

Location: India, Jharkhand, Ranchi