Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting believes that India missed MS Dhoni during their recently concluded ODI series against Australia and his absence was a main reason behind them losing the series. India won the two matches to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series but Australia fought back brilliantly and with a fighting victory in the last match, they were able to inflict the first home ODI series defeat since October 2015.
“I wouldn’t ever be negative towards Virat with regards to his captaincy, I have seen what he has done with the Test team over the last couple of years, and MS has not been around for that. However, I think that the little bit of presence he brings on the field and a certain calmness to the batting when India is in a pressure situation is invaluable. I missed his batting in the last three games (vs Australia), which is also probably why India did not win,” Ponting told NDTV.
Usman Khawaja struck his second century in three matches as Australia thumped India by 35 runs in their final one-dayer to seal a come-from-behind 3-2 series victory at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on Wednesday.
