World Cup 2019: Without MS Dhoni, India Can't Win A Single Game, Says Steve Waugh

Dhoni kept India's hope of securing final spot alive until the penultimate over, when he was run out after scoring 50 runs

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh backed MS Dhoni's approach in the semi-final against New Zealand which India lost by 18 runs on Wednesday. He even went on to say that 'without Dhoni, there would not be a chance to win a game'. "I think it is pretty unfair. MS Dhoni has won so many games to India and he has played in the same way over the long period of time. He can get you in a situation that can give you a chance to win the game and without him, there would not be a chance to win a game," Waugh said. "Of course, you are not going to win every time. The other day, he was a couple of inches away from being home for the second run. He may have still won that game. I know how hard it is to win a one-day game while chasing and he has done better than anyone in the history of the game," added Waugh. New Zealand defeated India by 18 runs in the semi-final played on July 9 and July 10 (due to rain). After posting a target of 240 runs, New Zealand bowlers, Matt Henry and Trent Boult, thwarted India's top order as they reduced them to 5/3 inside four overs. However, Dhoni kept India's hope of securing final spot alive until the penultimate over, when he was run out after scoring 50 runs. Waugh said he expected India to chase the target but praised Boult and Henry's spell. "I expected India to chase down 240 but there was great bowling from Henry and Boult up front, three early wickets. Due to pressure in big game situations, it is hard to chase runs. India will be no doubt disappointed. They would have expected to make 240," he said.