A lot has been talked about MS Dhoni’s batting position since India lost to New Zealand by 18 runs in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 on Wednesday in Manchester. A plethora of cricket experts believe that if the former captain had been sent up in the order, it would have been a different story altogether.

But one thing that cannot be changed now is India’s exit from the marquee event.

Days after that massive heartbreak, head coach Ravi Shastri opened up and cleared the air that it was ‘team’s decision’ to send Dhoni at No.7. In an interview with The Indian Express, Shastri said,

“It was a team decision. Everyone was in with it — and it was a simple decision, too. The last thing you wanted was Dhoni coming out to bat early and getting out — that would have killed the chase. We needed his experience later. He is the greatest finisher of all times — and it would have been criminal to not make use of him in that way. The whole team was clear on it.”

Shastri backed Pant’s placement at No 4 and assured that he will learn and grow up in quick time.

“Rishabh Pant did look pretty secure when he got out to bat, even against (New Zealand fast bowler) Trent Boult, didn’t he? You could then say that if Pant had continued and not got out… but that’s a sport. You grow up in quick time. He will learn, he already knows it. But I am happy that the team showed spunk. They didn’t give up even after losing Pant and Pandya. What a fightback that was,” Shastri was quoted as saying.

Gathering the lost enthusiasm is the biggest job to be done by a head coach and Shastri did it perfectly. After the men-in-blue returned into the dressing, he said,

“Walk out with your heads held high. Be proud. Those 30 minutes can’t erase the fact that you guys have been the best team in the last couple of years. You guys know it. One tournament, one series — and that, too, 30 minutes of play can’t decide that. You guys have earned that respect. Of course, we are all hurt and disappointed but, in the end, be proud of what you have done for the last two years.”