MS Dhoni’s approach in the ICC World Cup semi-final against New Zealand wrong? Should Dhoni take the lion’s share of blames for India’s exit from the showpiece event Known for his straight forwards thought process,former Australia World Cup winning captain Steve Waugh answered in negative. Waugh in fact backed the former India captain and even went on say that ‘without Dhoni, India would not have had a chance to win that game’.

Hailing Dhoni’s past record and his ability to finish matches, Waugh also stated it was unfair to single out Dhoni for criticism. “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.”

“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. 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.

“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.

In the second semi-final, England vanquished Australia by eight wickets and cruised into the tournament’s final.The 51 year old eulogized the English side saying that they have no real weakness in their line-up.

“England played an outstanding game of one-day cricket. Australia was a little bit off and lost early wickets just like India. They were outplayed by a really strong England side who have no real weakness in their line-up,” Waugh said.