[arindambasu13]

Originally Posted by Eddy

Well, if MSD cannot take up a batting role at 5/3 and 20/4 then we do not need him in the team.

Absolutely correct and completely agree with Ganguly's repeated expressions of surprise at this move! When on earth else is Dhoni going to come to bat? What is he waiting for, and at his level of seniority, I see no reason to keep sitting around chewing his bat in the dressing room and doing nothing else.

[drmohitg]

Originally Posted by ValarMorghulis

Harsha conjectured whether Dhoni's nursing a finger injury

Dhoni, at more than 1 instance, seemed to be in some pain while wicket-keeping.

Also if these 2 guys get settled and start hitting, NZ would worry about the runs too since they do not have those many on the board to keep attacking.

[saket77]

The only reason I could think of Dhoni not coming up is that probably he or Virat doesn't want him to face the new ball.

Hope Dhoni finds his lost Midas touch back today. Couldn't be a better time to get back to his usual ways.

[jayguar]

Found this online DLS calculator. Not sure if its accurate.
http://www.boltoncricket.co.uk/DLcalc.html

[swissknife]

Originally Posted by jayguar

Found this online DLS calculator. Not sure if its accurate.
http://www.boltoncricket.co.uk/DLcalc.html

Yes, this is an accurate calculator with the current rules.

[drmohitg]

If Pandya delivers the match today, he will become the National hero, completely opposite to the Villain he was made into after that Koffee with Karan episode. Just a thought.

[am1m]

Damn, I thought I was over cricket. Gave myself all the usual excuses- too much time waste, all matches fixed, the IPL/money has become more important, players like Dravid no longer there, etc etc. In fact, had more or less stopped watching entire matches, just followed tests on Cricinfo.

But am anxious, anguished and hopeful all at once now! Like being a kid again back in the 90s!

[drmohitg]

Originally Posted by am1m

Damn, I thought I was over cricket. Gave myself all the usual excuses- too much time waste, all matches fixed, the IPL is more important, players like Dravid no longer there, etc etc. In fact, had more or less stopped watching entire matches, just followed tests on Cricinfo.

But am anxious, anguished and hopeful all at once now! Like being a kid again back in the 90s!

Exactly in the same boat. Hectic work life and overall overdose of cricket, made me stop watching and following it from last 5 years. No IPL or any other form of cricket whatsoever. But the lure of the world cup was too much to ignore and the 90s kid is back in action, only difference being watching the match on a laptop instead of the TV.

This situation was tailor-made for Dravid. Just play a few balls. That way, Karthik saw away close to 5 overs during the pressure situation.

Edit: Poor show of temperament by Pant. No need of that shot specially when he had somewhat got settled in and could have played a knock of his lifetime. This is the problem with players made big by IPL!

[deehunk]

Pant falls, played better than our over-hyped cricketers. Dhoni himself is responsible for his situation. In the last 2 decades we have not seen supremely fit players like Azhar and Robin Singh who played for India at the age of 39 years.

[ninjatalli]

So two scenarios for Dhoni on his 350th ODI - an exit from the WC and ODI cricket, or a revival of his image on the cricketing field.

[greenoval]

The asking rate is inching closer to 7. Its not just about conserving wickets anymore. We need a Pandya special.

[drmohitg]

Originally Posted by ninjatalli

So two scenarios for Dhoni on his 350th ODI - an exit from the WC and ODI cricket, or a revival of his image on the cricketing field.

It is unfortunate that he would be measured by the game today. The RR is already over 6 and I don't see India winning this from any margin now. Would be a bit unfair to label Dhoni as a failure in this match. If he would have come out up the order then it would be a different scenario.

Edit: With the asking run rate more than 7 now, these two should start hitting. No point dragging things to the point where it becomes pointless even if you hit a 50 in the process, something similar to the match with England. They should get going, either score or get out.

[SoumenD]

Just came here to see if dhoni is getting bashed or not already for the team's failure. Not disappointed

I started from office at 3:15, reached home at 4:30 & voila!!! half the team was already back in pavilion. Its all but over now. Wonder who decided to send dhoni so late? He himself? Or was kohli trying to send the hitters ahead to score some runs in order to stay ahead of the D/L score in 20-25 overs incase the rains came in. A repeat telecast of 2015 WC semis. It was Australia then beating us in Semis, this time its the black caps. Are we taking away the 'chokers' tag from SA?

Now we will play some matches with some minnows and once again the terrific trio(top order) would score some more 100s to boost ego and everyone would forget this shameful performance. Life would move on.

P.S: Guess its a retirement match for Dhoni then?

[rovingeye]

Irrespective of the result, I just hope the rope finally ends for KL Rahul. MS Dhoni I'm sure will retire after tonight.

Originally Posted by SoumenD

Now we will play some matches with some minnows and once again the terrific trio(top order) would score some more 100s to boost ego and everyone would forget this shameful performance. Life would move on.

P.S: Guess its a retirement match for Dhoni then?

I can feel the pain in your post. I'm shattered as well. I for one am going to stop watching anymore cricket. This is it for me. I'm retiring from watching cricket today.

[saket77]

Originally Posted by rovingeye

Irrespective of the result, I just hope the rope finally ends for KL Rahul. MS Dhoni I'm sure will retire after tonight.

& irrespective of the result, though very unlikely that we will win, but Dhoni will retire tonight. If (its a big IF) india wins, still Dhoni might announce retirement today after the finals.