MS Dhoni’s infamous slow innings that cost India ODI match against West Indies

MS Dhoni’s slow innings in ODI cricket of 54 runs in 114 balls against West Indies, in a match India lost by 11 runs, was a unique display of his batting strategy. Known for his ability to finish matches, this innings was an exception.

Dhoni’s uncharacteristically slow innings raised eyebrows, as he struggled to find boundaries and maintain a high strike rate. The innings, played on a slow pitch against a spirited West Indian attack, was a departure from his usual aggressive batting style.

Despite scoring back-to-back half-centuries, this innings was described as “bizarre” due to its unusual nature. Dhoni’s batting strategy, which typically involves finding a way to score runs on every ball, was tested in this match, and the result was a topic of much discussion within the cricketing community.

The innings highlighted the challenges of adapting to different match situations and pitch conditions, and it provided insights into the complexities of ODI batting.

The match result and the discussions following the game highlighted the impact of Dhoni’s atypical batting approach on India’s chances of winning.

How the Match Unfolded?

Batting first, West Indies set a target of 189 runs, which seemed achievable though challenging due to the conditions. However, India’s approach during the chase was overly cautious, perhaps even bordering on hesitant, especially with MS Dhoni’s slow innings.

Ajinkya Rahane provided a solid start for India, but he lacked consistent support from the other end. Though there was a 54-run partnership between him and Dhoni, the team’s progress stagnated.

What should have been a straightforward chase turned into a grueling struggle. It’s possible that MS Dhoni misjudged the match situation and didn’t capitalize on opportunities to put pressure on the West Indies bowlers.

The match remained contentious due to fan dissatisfaction with Dhoni’s batting. Although the conditions were difficult, some argue that he could have adopted a more assertive approach. Additionally, the lack of consistent support from other batsmen played a significant role.

While Rahane performed well, none of the other Indian batters seemed to have the intent to finish the match. Dhoni’s dismissal on the last ball of the 49th over left India narrowly short of victory. Had he been able to see out the final over, he might have secured the win for India.