New Delhi: skipper MS Dhoni tries to soften the blow by breaking down the match, simply projecting what happened without spelling out specifics in terms of the remedial measures required; some sort of an effort to look at the big picture but not necessarily the real one. But on Wednesday, after India’s fourth straight overseas defeat, he hinted his patience was running thin.
Keeping the shape is a football term, where weaker teams brace themselves from being blown away by their stronger rivals. India may have been the No 1 team going into second ODI against New Zealand, but it is the visitors who look every bit out of shape after a second ODI against New Zealand, but it is the visitors who look every bit out of shape after a second defeat
It is clear the culprits are openers as well as Suresh Raina, R Ashwin and Ishant Sharma. None of them have shown signs of turning their personal form around. We have to change a few things, Dhoni admitted after the 15-run loss under the Duckworth-Lewis method at Seddon Park. A few things have not gone our way, he said.
The duo has not performed since South Africa, and Dhoni’s decision to chase in both matches has only compounded the problem. With only Ambati Rayudu the specialist batsman in the bench, batting options are few. And Dhoni backed Raina, although he was livid after the left-hander holed out with victory hopes still alive. Raina, once a prospect at No 4, batted at No 6.
India have need to find a new shape if they are to bounce back on this tour.
Bureau Report
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