Team India ended 2013 with a loss as they went down to 1-0 against South Africa in the Test series. Fair play to the Proteas, who bowled and batted well, Indian batsmen besides Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, need to introspect and learn from the mistakes.
Team India ended 2013 with a loss as they went down to 1-0 against South Africa in the Test series. Fair play to the Proteas, who bowled and batted well, Indian batsmen besides Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, need to introspect and learn from the mistakes. With a more grueling away series in the line-up, here’s a list of few things from me to Mahi and his merry men to avoid in 2014:
Batting positively
The Indian team were bundled out cheaply in the ODIs and Tests with the exception of Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. The likes of New Zealand, England and Australia will present green tops and conditions suited for bowling. Indian batsmen need to spend more time at the crease and keep themselves in a positive frame of mind.
Bowling needs a CHANGE
The Indian bowling attack in South Africa can be termed satisfactory with the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Bhuvneshwar Kumar failing to spark. The inclusion of Zaheer Khan and revamped Ishant Sharma are some positives for Dhoni but still some freshness is needed taking in mind the England series. A 5-seamer attack can prove to be a good option for Dhoni taking the overcast conditions in New Zealand and England.
Mahi needs batting tips
During the 2-Test series in South Africa, skipper MS Dhoni failed miserably with the bat.His highest score was 29 in Johannesburg and as a middle-order batsman, Dhoni could have done better. When his team were in trouble, ‘Captain Cool’ did not show heart unlike Ajinkya Rahane, and lost his wicket. It’s high time, MS Dhoni played as a responsible batsman and showed fight. If India are to win overseas, Dhoni’s bat needs to start scoring big!
Be Ruthless in approach
Seeing the Durban result, Team India (must be Dhoni and Fletcher) went on the backfoot. The match could have gone either ways but Dhoni sought otherwise as he sought defending and using the old ball. India lost the Test and many ex-cricketers questioned Dhoni’s tactics. Come 2014, Dhoni’s mantra should be – Ruthless. He must attack, attack and attack until the opposition bails out. Just take the case of Aussie skipper, Michael Clarke.
