Dambulla, Sri Lanka: India and Sri Lanka play the final of the Micromax Sri Lanka Triangular Series. The 6 matches of the league showed pacers were the key to win the matches. But the pitch for the finals was completely different – a typical ODI pitch or a batsmen friendly pitch. Yet, Dhoni goes with 4 fast bowlers and no spinners. Without much surprise, SL defeated India easily. It is time to analyse what is wrong with Dhoni’s captaincy skills now!!!
In the last league match against New Zealand the pacers were exceptional. Jadeja was in question through out the series. Dhoni made three decisions. Continue with 4 pacers, finally throw Jadeja out and strengthen the batting by including, no points for the guesses, Rohit Sharma – not Saurabh or any one else warming the bench.
Till the 30th over of the match, his first two decisions have backfired as Sri Lanka is scoring with a rate close to 6 losing just 2 wickets. The part-time spinners Yuvraj and Sehwag are cutting down the runs, when pacers have been hit all around the field.
Did Dhoni Again Falter in Making the Right Decisions?
Decision 1: 4 pacers
The pitch of league matches was different. the pitch for the final is a purely batsmen delight. Still continuing with the 4 pacers, one of which Ishant Sharma is already giving rise to many questions with every match. Today also he is again leaking runs. Decision for 4 pacers have backfired already.
Decision 2: Jadeja Dropped
Jadeja’s last performances with consistent failure in batting and bowling demanded rest for him. From players to critics knew replacement is required. Dhoni never agreed. Today when he finally agreed to drop Jadeja for the final, probably he could have given him another chance as Indian spinners generally bowl better on dry pitches. With Yuvraj and Sehwa shining with the ball, Jadeja’s absence is felt when SL batsmen are hitting the Indian pacers freely.
Decision 3: Strengthening Batting
Rohit Sharma was included in place of Jadeja to strengthen the batting. With the pitch being very dry and SL scoring runs at will with a run rate of almost 6 till 30th over, the decision is the best one by Dhoni. But, Why again Rohit Sharma!! The 15-member squad has other batsmen like Saurabh Tiwary waiting. In all probability Rohit Sharma may fail again.
When will Dhoni use his full 15-member team in a series? How many failures of his favorite players is enough for him to give another players a chance?
There are many such questions which Dhoni will be asked again and again, until he is dropped as the captain. For the final, with pacers failing and part-time spinners performing his first two decisions have fallen flat. Now, he must be praying that when India will be chasing a target of around 300, Rohit Sharma can at least hit a 50.
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