India vs Australia: MS Dhoni to be rested for the last two ODIs

Speaking after India's 32-run defeat in Ranchi, India batting coach Sanjay Bangar confirmed MS Dhoni would be rested for the last two ODIs of the ongoing five-match series at home.

India Today Web Desk
Ranchi
March 8, 2019
UPDATED: March 8, 2019 22:21 IST

MS Dhoni made 26 runs from 42 balls in the third ODI vs Australia in Ranchi (AP Photo)

HIGHLIGHTS

India batting coach Sanjay Bangar said MS Dhoni will be rested for the final 2 ODIs vs Australia
In 3 matches in the series so far, Dhoni has scored 59 not out, 0 and 26
Dhoni's absence will give India an opportunity to test Rishabh Pant

India are set to rest veteran wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni for the last two ODIs of the ongoing five-match series at home, batting coach Sanjay Bangar confirmed on Friday. Australia kept their hopes alive after beating the hosts by 32 runs in the third ODI in Ranchi earlier in the day.

The focus was on MS Dhoni as the superstar of Indian cricket returned home for the third ODI. Dhoni shone with his glovework by coming up with a moment of brilliance to run Glenn Maxwell out during Australia's innings. However, the Ranchi hero failed with the bat, managing just 26 runs off 42 balls in India's unsuccessful chase of 314 at his home ground.

Much to the disappointment of the passionate fans at the JSCA Stadium, Dhoni was cleaned up Adam Zampa after he had stitched a 59-run stand with centurion and captain Virat Kohli for the fourth wicket.

Dhoni had hit a match-winning half-century in the first ODI of the ongoing series which was also his fourth straight fifty against Australia in the 50-over format of the game. He was dismissed for 0 in India's eight-run win the second ODI.

Dhoni

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