MS Dhoni fans, rejoice! Former India captain fit for fifth ODI against New Zealand

India’s shoddy display in the Hamilton ODI against New Zealand was a serious wake-up call. Trent Boult swung the ball and Rohit Sharma’s side was razed for 92, their lowest total in an ODI in New Zealand as they were hammered by eight wickets. The display of the batsmen prompted many Indian cricket team fans to state the team missed Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. Kohli is currently being given a break for the rest of the tour as the BCCI looks to manage his workload while Dhoni suffered a hamstring injury. However, there is good news as Dhoni has been passed fit for the fifth and final ODI which will be played in Wellington on Sunday and the news was confirmed by assistant coach Sanjay Bangar.

Dhoni’s presence in the Indian side for the game at the Westpac stadium will be a welcome boost for Rohit’s side which missed Dhoni’s experience and stability lower down the order. In the middle order, the likes of Ambati Rayudu (0), Kedar Jadhav (1) and Dinesh Karthik (0) were sent back by Boult and it took knocks of 16, 15 and 18 from Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal to help India avoid major embarrassment.

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India currently leads the five-match series 3-1 and they have sealed a series win in New Zealand for the first time in 10 years. India would be hoping to win the match at The Cake Tin as they aim to build momentum for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 which will be played in England. On the other hand, a win for Kane Williamson’s New Zealand side will give them plenty of respectability after being thoroughly outplayed in the first three ODIs.

However, New Zealand suffered a big jolt for Wellington as Martin Guptill, their aggressive opener could be ruled out due to a back injury. "Martin Guptill is in doubt for tomorrow's fifth ODI against India after aggravating his lower back while fielding this afternoon. He's been assessed by team physio Vijay Vallabh & will be reassessed tomorrow morning. Colin Munro will rejoin the ODI squad tomorrow morning,” New Zealand Cricket (NZC) tweeted.

Guptill, though, may be fit for the first Twenty20 International which will be played in Wellington on February 6.

HIGHLIGHTS

• MS Dhoni missed the third and fourth ODIs due to a hamstring injury.
• India lead the five-match series 3-1.
• Martin Guptill could miss the final match due to a back injury.