Auckland: MS Dhoni who recently got three successive half centuries in the ODI series against Australia is on the verge of breaking another record when India embark on their tour of New Zealand. The Men in Blue will play five ODIs and three T20 internationals against the Black Caps.
In the just concluded series against Australia, the 37-year-old won the man of the series award. It was a fitting reply to his critics who had been baying for his blood as the wicketkeeper-batsman had a very poor 2018 in which he scored 275 runs in 20 games without a single half century. His strike rate also plummeted drastically.
Now however, all has changed and Dhoni is set to add another feather to his cap. Dhoni currently stands third in the list of leading Indian run-getters against New Zealand in New Zealand. He has 455 runs and the list is headed by Sachin Tendulkar (652 runs from 18 games) and Virender Sehwag (598 in 12 innings). Keeping in mind the form MSD is in, he can surpass Tendulkar and become the top Indian run-getter in ODIs against the Kiwis in New Zealand.
Meanwhile, the Indian team reached here late Sunday evening and there was a large number of fans ready to welcome them. The loudest cheers were skipper Virat Kohli with wife Anushka Sharma in tow. Both Kohli and Anushka acknowledged the applause by waving back to the fans. India will open their ODI campaign with a match against the hosts Wednesday.
Agencies
