Fans criticise decision to bring MS Dhoni in at No. 7 after India had lost its top-order in New Zealand semifinal

After a dream run, Team India's journey in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 came to an end after their 18-run loss against New Zealand in the first semi-final at the Old Trafford in Manchester on Wednesday. This was also India's second consecutive loss in the semi-finals of the quadrennial event. 

Chasing a target of 240, India were off to the worst possible start after they were reduced to 5/3 in the fourth over. The Kiwi pacers Trent Boult and Matt Henry worked in tandem as they got rid off the big three top-order batsmen early. The Men In Blue found themselves in a spot of bother after the early dismissals of Rohit Sharma, skipper Virat Kohli and KL Rahul respectively. 

When the top three were sent back to the pavilion, the fans still had the belief that MS Dhoni could do the unthinkable and pull off a miracle for India. However, they were disappointed when the 2011 World Cup-winning skipper did not come to bat after the early setback.

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Here are some of the reactions.

However, there were fans who also wondered why everyone now needed Dhoni during the crucial hour.

After India were reduced to 92/6, Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja added 116 runs for the seventh wicket stand and almost took India on the cusp of victory. Jadeja top-scored for India with a 59-ball 77 at a strike rate of 130.51 while MSD scored a 72-ball 50. Unfortunately, his run out in the penultimate over ended the two-time winners' hopes as they were bundled out for 221 with three balls to spare.

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