Give youngsters a bit more time, they will do fine: MS Dhoni

India messed up an easy run chase again in the 4th ODI against New Zealand at Ranchi. However, skipper Dhoni believed that it can be a good learning curve for youngsters that will only make them better.

“It will be a good learning curve for them almost similar to what happened in Delhi (2nd ODI). Give them a bit more time, they will do fine. It could have been slightly different if we had wickets in hand. Unless they get an opportunity like this, it will be difficult. That’s how you get experience – when you’re in the middle facing such tough situations. When you go through the motion, you actually learn a lot,” said the Indian skipper.

Statistics show that India’s win and Virat Kohli’s big scores go hand in hand. When asked about India’s over-reliance on Virat Kohli, Dhoni said “It’s not like that. If you see the last few months, we have not played much ODIs. In between we had Zimbabwe (series), it’s very difficult. The statistics don’t exactly reflect the exact scenario. Also I’ve batted at different position in that period. Our top-order was batting brilliantly so everything is very different.”

“We just have to give them more time. Batting down the order is one of the toughest things to do especially on wickets like these. There will be pressure to rotate, to get a partnership. It’s not easy, they need time. You don’t always get a player who is complete and bats at Nos 5, 6 or 7.”

Also read – India v New Zealand, 4th ODI – Statistical Highlights

The series is all set for a cracker of a decider in Vishakhapatnam on Saturday. Both teams will be looking to put their best foot forward but for India it’s more about finding the solution on what to do if Kohli fails. The decider gives an excellent opportunity to youngsters like Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav and Hardik Pandya to make a mark and win the series and keep themselves on the fringes of selection for England ODI series and ICC Champions Trophy next June.