Sachin Tendulkar led the cricketing fraternity in lauding the fighting spirit of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja in the World Cup semifinal against New Zealand, but said the Indian batting cannot always rely on its famed top-order to deliver the goods.
A disappointed Tendulkar said Indian batsmen made a mountain out of a molehill during their 240-run chase, losing the match by 18 runs to crash out of the tournament.
"I am disappointed because we should have chased 240 without any doubt. It wasn't a big total. Yes, New Zealand got off to a dream start by picking those 3 wickets upfront," Tendulkar said.
"But I feel that we can't be all the time relying on Rohit (Sharma) to give a good start or Virat (Kohli) to come and make sure that a solid foundation is built. Players around them also will have to take more responsibility," the batting maestro told 'India Today'.
After restricting New Zealand to a modest 239 for eight, the famed Indian top-order failed for the first time in the tournament, as Virat Kohli and his men were all out for 221 in 49.3 overs.
In fact, at one point of time, India were completely down and out of the game after the Kiwi bowlers reduced them to 92 for six.
But then, Dhoni (50) and Jadeja (77) joined hands and stitched 116 runs for the seventh wicket to keep India in the contest.
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"It's not fair all the time to expect Dhoni to come and finish the game. He has done it time and again," Tendulkar said.
He also lauded New Zealand's incisive bowling display and skipper Kane Williamson's tactical moves.
"There came a stage where New Zealand kept things simple. If you saw their fast bowlers, they didn't try too much upfront. They just bowled in the right areas, right channels and got those wickets," he said.
"I felt Kane Williamson's captaincy was incredible."
"A good fight put up by @imjadeja & @msdhoni but @BLACKCAPS were exceptional today. Congrats to (New Zealand) on making it to the Finals & all the best for the same. I felt #KaneWilliamson's captaincy & composure played a crucial role in this result."
Harbhajan Singh wrote on Twitter: "Feeling heart broken for @BCCI. Congratulations to @BLACKCAPS. Well done @imjadeja."
Former India opener Gautam Gambhir wrote on his Twitter handle: "I'm proud of the way @BCCI played at the @cricketworldcup. It's disappointing but that's the nature of the game. Well played @BLACKCAPS on a fantastic game and all the best for the final."
Cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar wrote: "India no less a champion side in my eyes. Won 7 lost 2. Last one narrowly. Well done India!"
India Test player Ajinkya Rahane wrote: "Well played #TeamIndia throughout the tournament! We fought hard and took it close."
India pacer Ishant Sharma also expressed the same sentiments as he tweeted: "Well played boys!!! One bad day, you were brilliant the entire tournament. So heads up and let's move forward!! Jai Hind! #TeamIndia."
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