India vs New Zealand 2019, Ambati Rayudu
Ambati Rayudu. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Former World Cup-winning player Madan Lal believes India’s middle order should do a better job. India’s middle order had a good opportunity to prove their mettle in the fourth ODI against New Zealand at Hamilton. The visitors lost both their experienced openers in Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan cheaply and it was a perfect chance for the remaining batsmen to stand tall. However, it wasn’t to be the case as India’s bleak middle order succumbed to pressure.

In fact, it was palpable that India missed the services of their skipper Virat Kohli who has been rested for the final two ODIs and the T20I series. Furthermore, the visitors also missed the services of experienced player MS Dhoni. The talisman has returned back to form but missed the last two matches due to a sore hamstring.

Madan Lal England India 2018 Bhuvneshwar Kumar Jasprit Bumrah

India’s middle order woes continue.

“Maybe there were only a couple of players who got out because of swing. What happened with our players that they did not see the scoreboard. What Virat Kohli does is he keeps the scores in mind and then takes the game forward. He plays patiently and tries to score runs without hitting in the air. That helps him control the game,” Madan Lal told Sports Tak.

Madan Lal rued the fact that no middle order batsmen tried to apply himself at the crease. Yes, the conditions were difficult to bat on but some shots from the Indian batsmen could have been evaded. Thus, getting out for 92 runs is never acceptable.

“Not a single batsman tried to control the game. He [Kohli] was definitely missed. When a player of his stature is not there in the team, it becomes very difficult to fill that slot. Our openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have scored runs and have also won us matches. Our middle order should have controlled the game because they had a good opportunity.”

MS Dhoni, Mahendra Sing Dhoni, Rahul Dravid, Mohammad Azharuddin
Mahendra Singh Dhoni. (Credits – Getty)

On the other hand, MS Dhoni might return to the playing XI after missing the last two matches. Dhoni is back in form which is a big boost to the side. Subsequently, either Shubman Gill or Dinesh Karthik is expected to make the place for the former Indian skipper.

Dhoni is going to be back.

“MS Dhoni is likely to come back in the side for the final ODI. He has not played two matches and I think he must have recovered from his injury by now. His experience is needed. We’ll have to see who goes out… Dinesh Karthik or Shubman Gill,” he said.

“We expected a 5-0 win for India. India must win the 5th ODI and 4-1 will look much better than 3-2.”

The fifth and final ODI between New Zealand and India will take place at Wellington on 3rd February.

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