India vs Australia: MS Dhoni to be rested for final two ODIs of the series

After a forgettable 2018 where he had managed to score just 275 runs in 20 games, MS Dhoni has started 2019 with a bang. His impressive performances have not only helped him shut his critics up but has also made sure his place in the World Cup squad is not questioned. Dhoni began 2019 on a stunning note, scoring 3 fifties on the trot to help India win their first-ever bilateral ODI series on the Australian soil. He had finished the series as the top run-scorer to walk away with the Man of the Series award.

The veteran batsman did not get too many chances in the succeeding series in New Zealand but the unbeaten 48-run knock in the second ODI and some handy knocks in the subsequent T20I series showed he has finally regained his mojo. He then scored match-winning fifty in the first ODI of the ongoing ODI series against Australia. He, however, failed to deliver in the second ODI and the just-concluded third one. In the second game, he registered a duck before failing to convert his start in Ranchi.

Dhoni scored 26 as India lost the game by 32 runs. The twin failures, nonetheless, are not a matter of concern given the way the veteran has been batting in recent times. And the team-management has now decided to rest him for the remaining two games of the series, scheduled to be played on March 10 and March 13. India batting coach Sanjay Bangar confirmed the news while interacting with the media at the end of the game.

The team-management had already made it clear that the ongoing series would be used to prepare for the World Cup. And with just two games remaining, it looks like Rishabh Pant is set to be tried out.

Australia keep series alive

Meanwhile, Australia beat India by 32 runs in the third ODI to keep the five-match series alive. Batting first in the do-or-die game, the visitors piled up 313 for 5 with Usman Khwaja scoring a century and Aaron Finch playing a fine knock of 93. In reply, India were all out for 281 despite skipper Virat Kohli playing a sublime knock of 123.

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