India need 4-5-6 to Play Match-Winning Knocks - Virender Sehwag

Former Indian opening batsman Virender Sehwag believes the Indian team need their batsmen at four, five and six to play match-winning knocks. Ambati Rayudu could not deliver the goods while batting at four in India’s six wickets win over Australia in the second ODI. However, MS Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik who were India’s number five and six provided the finishing touches to the run-chase.

India has levelled the three-match series after winning the second ODI at Adelaide. India’s skipper Virat Kohli was once again the architect of the run-chase as he scored a brilliant knock of 104 runs. Kohli batted at the top of his game to score his 39th ODI hundred. In fact, this was Kohli’s 24th ODI ton while chasing the target.

India level the series.

On the other hand, MS Dhoni was able to bounce back into form. Dhoni was able to rotate strike at regular intervals to hit the ground running in second ODI. The former skipper wasn’t in the best of forms in the recent past and this knock must have added to his confidence. Furthermore, Dinesh Karthik was able to score his runs at a brisk pace to take the pressure from MS Dhoni.

One more positive for the Indian team in the second ODI was Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The Uttar Pradesh bowler scalped four wickets and bowled with confidence to get back his form.

On the other hand, Shaun Marsh played a fine knock of 131 runs in the first innings. However, the southpaw’s brilliant knock went in vain as Australia lost by six wickets. The decider of the series will take place at Melbourne Cricket Ground on January 18.

Virender Sehwag took to Twitter to share his thoughts. The post read as, “Picture Abhi Baki hai mere Dost!
Wonderful innings from Virat. Dhoni and Karthik finishing it in style. Will need more matches with 4-5-6 playing handy match-winning knocks.

Picture abhi baaki hai mere Dost !
Wonderful innings from Virat. Dhoni and Karthik finishing it in style. Will need more matches with 4-5-6 playing handy match-winning knocks. pic.twitter.com/YHdwJ0G59X

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 15, 2019