MS Dhoni likely to play 4th ODI vs New Zealand at Hamilton

MS Dhoni likely to play 4th ODI: Veteran Indian cricketer looks all set to return to the playing XI for the fourth ODI against New Zealand.

Former India captain and current wicket-keeper batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni is all but likely to take the field during the fourth ODI of the ongoing India’s tour of New Zealand at Hamilton tomorrow. In which was a rare scenario, Dhoni had missed the third ODI at Mount Maunganui due to a hamstring strain.

After BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) posted the photos of Indian cricketers’ training session, the 37-year old cricketer was witnessed as batting in the nets.

Given the form that he has been in since the start of this year, Dhoni’s presence will be a boost for the Indian team especially when India captain Virat Kohli has been rested for the rest of the tour. While there are other senior players in the squad, Dhoni will play a significant role in the remaining matches.

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If Dhoni plays tomorrow, whether he will replace wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik or come into the side for Kohli is still unclear. The fact that Karthik scored an outstanding 38* (38) with the help of five fours and a six to seal the chase for India will make it difficult for the team management to drop him.

In five matches this year, Dhoni has scored 241 runs at an average of 241 and a strike rate of 81.14 including three half-centuries. Coming on the back of a worst year (in terms of number of runs scored) in ODIs, the team management will be relieved to watch Dhoni back among the runs.

If reports in CricTracker.com are to be believed, uncapped batsman Shubman Gill is likely to make his debut tomorrow. Among the bowlers, fast bowler Mohammad Shami will be rested and Khaleel Ahmed should beat Mohammad Siraj in the race of replacing him.