Dhoni blames batsmen for defeat by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	MS Dhoni
Event:	Australia in India 2009/10

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DateLine: 3rd November 2009

 

Indian skipper M S Dhoni blamed his batsmen for the defeat against Australia.

 

Dhoni said that the bowlers did a more than fabulous job restricting the visitors to a total of 250 on a flat deck at Mohali, but lack of partnerships in the Indian batting line-up did the team in.

 

"I think it was a good effort by the bowlers to stop them to a total like 250. We got a decent start to our chase also but subsequently, we failed as a batting unit," Dhoni told after the match.

 

"We should have batted full 50 overs but that was not possible because we kept losing wickets at regular intervals," he rued.

 

The right-hander who has had a decent tournament till now defended his decision to field, saying dew otherwise would have made things difficult for the bowlers.

 

"Dew is a big factor that always plays on your mind. From 15-40th overs, generally the spinners do the job for us. That would have been taking a risk. Of course it can backfire also, so it's difficult to choose.

 

"But we knew in Mohali, the wicket would not break much and ball would come nicely onto the bat with a bit of dew. I think our bowlers did a great job and 251 is something we should have scored," he said.

 

Dhoni also justified the decision to send Kohli at number three.

 

"To best way to give someone opportunity is to let him bat higher. At number 6-7, you score 20-30 in quick time or can get our for 10-12 also. I think it's important to give them chance.

 

"Virat is a talented batsman, good on the field and brings in lot of energies," Dhoni said.

 

The Indian captain said Gautam Gambhir, who skipped today's match after being hit on the neck in the last game, is likely to play the next game of the series.

 

"He's most likely to be fit for the next game," Dhoni said.