Why do Ishant, Rohit still enjoy Dhonis backing? Indias bowlers have conceded 300-plus totals in seven of Indias last 14 ODIs, out of which three were in excess of 350, points out Harish Kotian, as the World Champions lose their No 1 ODI ranking. The One Day International series between India, rankied No 1 in the world till Wednesdays defeat in the second game, and the No 8 ranked New Zealand was supposed to be a no-contest, but the World Champions were shocked with back-to-back defeats. Add to this, Indias rout in the ODI series in South Africa in December, and Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his side have lost four one-day games in a row. In the ODI series at home against Australia last winter, India scraped through with a 3-2 margin, winning the last two games on the strength of its batting on flat pitches. With the World Cup to be played in Australia and New Zealand next year, India are struggling to find the ideal combination. That was not what happened ahead of the last tournament in the sub-contintent when India had a settled team, with a good blend of experience and youth. Indias main concern is its bowling attack and the poor form of openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. The bowlers have conceded 300-plus totals in seven of Indias last 14 ODIs, out of which three were in excess of 350. The most disappointing performer in the recent debacles is Indias most experienced bowler. Ishant Sharma has gone from bad to worse.
Posted on: Thu, 23 Jan 2014 06:59:13 +0000