Why did Dhoni bat at seven against Kiwis? Bangar reveals
India played a good brand of cricket in the ICC World Cup 2019, before being knocked out in the semis by New Zealand. Amidst everything, one of the debatable decisions was sending MS Dhoni down the order at number seven when the team was already in a fix against Kiwis in semis. However, batting coach Sanjay Bangar defended the decision. Here's what he said.
It wasn't my decision alone: Bangar
Bangar revealed that the decision as to who bats at any spot does not solely rely upon him. It was pre-decided that the middle-order batting positions would be kept flexible. "It was decided that Dhoni could bat a little lower down, so that he could play post the 35th over as he could accelerate at the death," Bangar exclusively told Hindustan Times.
Dhoni was sent at seven to do finisher's job
"Dinesh Karthik was promoted to number five after consultations in the changing room to stem the fall of wickets and resurrect the innings and leave Dhoni to do the finisher's job. Ravi Shastri has categorically stated that it was team's decision," added Bangar.
Bangar overall happy with India's batting performance
Speaking on India's performance, Bangar expressed his happiness at the way the batsmen did their job. He praised the batsmen as seven centuries and 12 half-centuries were scored, while India were only second to England in terms of delivering with the bat. "The team as a whole played fabulous cricket and to top the league after nine rounds was a fabulous performance," opined Bangar.
Bangar confirms reapplying for India's batting coach role
On being asked if he had re-applied for the role of batting coach, Bangar said that since the current coaches got direct entry, he indeed is in fray. "I have reapplied and I believe that when our association with the team started in 2014 under Ravi's leadership, the results are there for everyone to see," asserted Bangar.
Given an opportunity, we will definitely like to continue: Bangar
"Having been associated with the team, having understood the players and having formed a strong bond, having set a team culture, it takes a long time to lay down those work ethics. Given an opportunity, we will definitely like to continue," concluded Bangar.
