‘It's good to lose one game’ - Ravi Shastri reveals MS Dhoni's 2011 World Cup group stage strategy

The ODI World Cup 2023 is well underway, and with the tournament still in its early stages, there are a couple of teams that have been putting in sensational performances at the prestigious tournament. Namely, New Zealand and hosts India are yet to lose a game at the World Cup.

However, both sides are all set to take on each other in game 21 of the tournament at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, and the winning run for one of the teams will finally come to an end. As the game approaches, former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri came forward to highlight a piece of advice from former skipper MS Dhoni.

Shastri revealed that MS Dhoni used to say that losing one game in the group stages of the competition is sometimes better so that the team can prepare themselves as the tournament progresses.

"In 2011 India lost one game. And that was a league game to New Zealand, but they went on to win the World Cup. I remember MS Dhoni when he was the captain said once, 'You know, sometimes in the league format (in World Cup), it's good to lose one game, you know, because you know, you don't want to be suddenly caught in a semi-final or final where you want everything and then you get the shivers,'" Shastri revealed on Star Sports.

India look to register fifth consecutive win

Speaking of Team India’s recent performances, the side has shown that they mean business in the ODI World Cup 2023. The team has played four games in the tournament so far. Taking on Australia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, India has managed to win every clash so far.

Led by Rohit Sharma, the Men in Blue look well on their way, and as they take on the Black Caps, they will be keen on replicating their performances once again, and it could be interesting to see which side comes out on top in Dharamshala.