Sachin's return to runs a good sign for the side: Dhoni

Rain might have played spoilsport in the second ODI between India and New Zealand in Wellington, but Mahendra Singh Dhoni feels the positive thing which emerged from today's abandoned match was Sachin Tendulkar's return to runs.

Rain might have played spoilsport in the second cricket one-dayer between India and New Zealand in Wellington, but visiting skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni feels the positive thing which emerged from today's abandoned match was Sachin Tendulkar's return to runs.

HT Image

Tendulkar scored 61 runs off 69 balls and shared a 76-run opening wicket stand with Virender Sehwag (54) to provide India a blistering start.

"It is a pleasure watching him (Tendulkar) score runs. It is definitely a good sign for our side. If the top order provides a good start, then the rest of the batsmen can play their natural game," Dhoni said after the match was called off following third successive rain interruption at the Westpac stadium in Wellington.

India were rocking at 130 for one in 19 overs when rain disrupted the proceedings. After two restarts, the tourists had surged to 188 for four from 28.4 overs when the skies opened yet again, thereby washing out the game.

The India captain also expressed happiness on learning about Rahul Dravid's century for Canterbury Wizards againt Central Stags in a New Zealand Cricket first class match at the Mainpower Oval, Rangiora here.