MS Dhoni was the topic of discussion after the match while he himself tried to put his team's needs first- here's who said what.
MS Dhoni scored his third successive half-century to guide India to a seven-wicket victory in the series-deciding third one-day international against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.
Dhoni made 87 not out as he combined with Kedar Jadhav (61 not out) to guide the tourists home with four balls remaining and complete India's 2-1 series victory.
Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, making his first appearance in the series, had earlier finished with a career-best 6-42 to help dismiss Australia for 230 in 48.4 overs.
While Chahal was picked the player of the match, Dhoni walked away with the player of the series trophy.
The 37-year-old Dhoni, who was panned by critics for 51 off 96 balls in the first ODI against Australia, showed glimpses of his golden days by anchoring India to a series win with unbeaten knocks of 55 and 87 in the next two.
MS was the topic of discussion after the match while he himself tried to put his team's needs first. Here's who said what after the ODI series win in Australia.
(If you can not see more than one slide, click here)
1. I am ready to bat at any position, says MS Dhoni
)
MS Dhoni said he has no preference in the Indian batting order and is ready to bat at any position as per the need of the team. Dhoni, who generally bats at number six, batted at 4 and anchored India's chase with a 114-ball 87 not out on Friday.
"I am happy to bat at any number. The important thing is where the team needs me," said Dhoni, when asked where he wants to bat. "Whether I play at 4 or 6, we need to see if the team balance can be retained. I'm happy to bat lower down at 6. I can't say I can't bat at No. 6 after playing 14 years."
(Image: AFP)
2. Never seen Dhoni get angry, says Ravi Shastri
)
Ravi Shastri has seen Sachin Tendulkar get "angry at times" but not Mahendra Singh Dhoni, "a once in 40 years player" who will be very difficult to replace once he bids adieu to the game, according to India's head coach.
"He is a legend. He will go down as one of our great cricketers. I have never seen an individual so sound. I have seen Sachin at times get angry. Not this man," Shastri told the 'Daily Telegraph'.
Shastri made it clear that a player of Dhoni's calibre can't be replaced. "You can't. Such players only come once in 30 or 40 years. That is what I tell Indians. Enjoy while it lasts. When he goes you will see a void that will be very hard to fill."
(Image: AFP)
3. People should give MS Dhoni his space: Virat Kohli
)
Virat Kohli has lashed out at critics of MS Dhoni after India wrapped up the ODI series win in Australia. "I think as a team we are very happy for MS. It's important to get runs under your belt to get the rhythm back," Kohli told the media on Friday.
"He will build on this performance in the series. Every batsman needs that kind of rhythm and runs next to your name to gain confidence. People say a lot of things on the outside. As an individual, I know that nobody is more committed to Indian cricket than MS."
"People should give MS his space.. He is a very intelligent cricketer and he knows what he is doing," he added.
(Image: PTI)
4. Virat Kohli hails 'amazing' Australia tour
)
Virat Kohli on Friday became the first Indian captain to win a Test and ODI series in a single tour of Australia, following a seven-wicket victory at the MCG which sealed the series 2-1.
“We have been here for a long time. It’s been an amazing tour for us,” said Kohli. “We drew the T20 series, won the Test and the ODI series. If someone gave me these results before the tour I would have taken it with both hands. I am really grateful and proud of the side."
(Image: Reuters)
5. Langer praises Dhoni's fitness
)
"MS Dhoni's fitness is elite. If he can keep wickets for 50 overs and run between wickets like that... that's the fitness level whole (cricketing) world should aspire to," said Australia coach Justin Langer.
