Dhoni says Sharma needs 'time, space' to overcome 'nightmare' 48th over that cost match against Oz

Indian captain MS Dhoni has said that under-fire bowler Ishant Sharma needs to be given time and space to overcome his nightmare performance in the stunning loss the nation faced against Australia in the third one-day international at Mohali.

According to News.com.au, India was cruising to victory when Sharma was brought back into the attack to bowl the 48th over.

Four sixes and 30 runs from all-rounder James Faulkner later and the match had swung drastically in the tourists' favour, the report said.

Sharma, already under pressure to retain his place for the remaining four matches of the series, cut a disconsolate figure on the field after Australia's incredible comeback win, the report added.

Indian fans were immediately calling for Sharma's head, while hanging their own in shame but Dhoni said the towering quick was hurting more than anyone, the report further said.

Dhoni said that when someone is representing the country in front of 30,000 people, no one wants to bowl a bad over, and the individual is more disappointed than anyone, in the stadium or in the team, if he does.

Prior to the last of his eight overs, Sharma had enjoyed his best game of the series, taking the crucial wicket of Aaron Finch while owning figures of 1-33 from seven overs, according to the report.

Dhoni added that when Sharma gave India the wicket, it was the time they really needed the wicket, adding that overall one has to see everything, not just one or two overs.