Dhoni’s got his Knickers in a Twist

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has not been his usual self on this Australian tour and that is reflecting on the performance of the team.

Look at the first two tests. At MCG, we had an opportunity to get Ponting out of this series. He came to the crease with a string of low scores and his confidence dropping. He looked tentative and Zaheer was bowling good line at that time. Instinctively, Dhoni brought on Ishant in the next over and I think he lost chance there. Zaheer had bowled just 6 overs and could have bowled an extra over. Such set moves are analysed over and again these days and MSD should know that they are not likely to get him any success. If he had got Ponting out quickly, then it would have immediately created a problem for the Aussies with possibly an end of the road for Ponting. As it turns out, we have conceded a century to him at SCG and his career is revived.

Then there are some weird field settings that perplexed the bowlers about the line to bowl and took the pressure off the batsmen. Having fielders midway is a good plan for middle overs in a ODI, but when you have the opposition under pressure, it leaks easy singles and relieves the pressure. Even when the Indian quickies were bowling good line MSD did not set an attacking field with a strong slip cordon.

It is also very concerning to note that the Indian team has conceded over 600 runs to all the top teams very recently. Agreed, we had limitations in England, but a champion team needs to have backup plans. In Australia we have the full strength bowling attack, yet we conceded 600+ score. What is worrying also is the fact that on the same wickets, our batting has failed to score. That is a double whammy.

The same middle of the road defensive approach also plays a vital role in not being able to warp up an innings after having taken 5 or 6 top order wickets. Routinely, the opposing teams have had their tails wagging and scoring useful runs.

For India to have any impact in this series, MSD needs to get his act right. He is the leader and has to lead from the front. His planning and strategies needs to be well thought and proactive. I think both in England and in Australia the opposition coaches have done a stellar job in creating plans for the Indians and executing them on the ground. MSD needs to learn and learn fast.