‘MS Dhoni was crying like children’ - Sanjay Bangar reveals former India captain’s reaction after 2019 World Cup defeat

Sanjay Bangar, former India batting coach, recalled Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s reaction after getting knocked out by New Zealand in the semi-final clash of the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup at Old Trafford in Manchester. When the top-order collapsed during the 240-run chase, Dhoni stood firm and scored a half-century before being run out by Martin Guptill. India fell short by 18 runs despite Ravindra Jadeja also scoring a crucial knock of 77 runs.

While speaking on air during the ongoing clash between India and New Zealand at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, Bangar revealed that the 2019 semi-final was a heartbreaking moment for all. He added that Dhoni and other players cried like children in the dressing room.

“It was a heartbreaking moment for all the players as India were playing excellent cricket. We won seven matches in the league phase and to bow out like that was not good,” Bangar said.

“Players cried like kids. MS Dhoni was crying like children. Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant had tears in their eyes. Such stories remain in the dressing room,” he added.  

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Speaking about India’s performance in the 2019 World Cup, they made it to the semi-final after winning seven league games and losing one against England. India started the semi-final clash against New Zealand on the right note, limiting Kane Williamson and Co. to a below-par 239 runs in allotted overs before rain marred the clash.

The second innings was played on the reserve day and India’s top order was steamrolled by Trent Boult and Matt Henry, leaving the Men in Blue at 5/3 in the fourth over. Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya added 32 runs each to strengthen India’s innings. Later, Dhoni and Jadeja struck their respective half-centuries and provided a sigh of hope for the two-time champions. 

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