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Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has revealed that MS Dhoni, Rishabh Pant, and Hardik Pandya cried “like kids” after losing the 2019 World Cup semi-final match to New Zealand in Manchester.
Sanjay Bangar made this emotional revelation while doing commentary during the IND vs NZ match in World Cup 2023 on Sunday in Dharamsala.
Four years ago, India suffered a heart-breaking defeat to New Zealand in the semi-final, the pain of which still lingers as India had gone into the game as favorites after topping the group stage with just one loss and 7 wins.
In a run-chase of the target of 240 runs, India were reeling in early trouble at 5/3. MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja rebuilt the innings. Jadeja scored 77 runs but got out later on. With MS Dhoni still at the crease, India’s hopes remained.
Dhoni even hit Lockie Ferguson for a six, but then got run-out via a stunning direct-hit from Martin Guptill. That all but ended India’s hopes of reaching the final. Dhoni was seen shedding tears when he was walking back to the dressing room.
MS Dhoni was crying like children: Sanjay Bangar
The then India batting coach Sanjay Bangar now revealed that MS Dhoni cried full-fledged in the dressing room, as did the likes of Pant and Pandya, both of whom were playing in their first ODI World Cup.
Speaking during commentary in Dharamsala, Bangar said: “It was a heartbreaking moment for all the players as India were playing excellent cricket. We won seven matches in the league phase and to bow out like that was not good,” he said.
“Players cried like kids. MS Dhoni was crying like children. Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant had tears in their eyes. Such stories remain in the dressing room,” he added.
That match turned out to be the last international game for MS Dhoni, who announced his international retirement in 2020. Dhoni continued to play and lead CSK in the IPL. He has led CSK to two IPL trophies in the last three years, and has confirmed he will play another season in the IPL.
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