Dhoni back at old
Skipper needs to rediscover batting, leadership form at venue where he announced his arrival in 2005
VISAKHAPATNAM: Mahendra Singh Dhoni returns to the scene of his first big impact a decade ago seeking to provide a few key answers when India face New Zealand in the deciding fifth One-day international on Saturday.
Before the start of the series against New Zealand when the double World Cup-winning skipper said he has started consulting Virat Kohli more, it seemed to indicate time was coming for India’s most successful limited overs captain to handover the baton to the Test skipper.
CONTRAST
After the Kohli-led side whitewashed the Kiwis 3-0 in the Test series, Dhoni’s army was expected to continue the dominance in the one-dayers. However, that hasn’t quite happened.
While the stage is set for Diwali fireworks when India square off against Kane Williamson’s men at the ACAVDCA Stadium, defeat for the hosts might put Dhoni’s captaincy on the line.
Since his sudden Test retirement in December 2014, India have managed to win only two ODI series – both against unfancied Zimbabwe.
In his first series as ODI captain since retiring from Tests in Australia, India were shocked 1-2 by hosts Bangladesh. India also lost 2-3 to South Africa – the Proteas’ first-ever bilateral series win in India. India then travelled to Australia for a limited overs series where they lost the ODIS 1-4.
GIVING UP CHASE
In this New Zealand series too, India dominated in the opening clash at Dharamsala, but caved in at the Ferozshah Kotla. Thanks to Virat Kohli’s century and Dhoni’s superb knock, India won in Mohali and took a 2-1 series lead.
At Ranchi on Wednesday, after restricting New Zealand to 260/3 expectations were high from Dhoni to chase down the total and clinch the series in his hometown. Indian batsmen, however, caved in once Ajinkya Rahane (57) and Virat Kohli (45) fell, allowing the visitors to level the series.
Dhoni has promoted himself to No 4 to redeem his batting with his abilities as a finisher having diminished. He also needs to redefine his tactics and surprise the opponents like he used to in the past.
Apart from the 80 at Mohali in Kohli’s company, Dhoni’s batting has been subdued with scores of 21, 39 and 11.
His last knock where he took 31 balls for his 11 in Ranchi left the skipper “very disappointed”. What would have hurt him the most would be his being bowled after a James Neesham delivery nipped back and found the gap between bat and pad.
As Dhoni tries to rekindle his batting power, the stadium provides an ideal venue for the Indian captain to find the old spark.
It was in the first match played here that he announced his international arrival with an explosive 148 off 123 balls to subdue Pakistan in 2005. Sent in as pinch-hitter at No 3 by skipper Sourav Ganguly, Dhoni punched his way with 15 boundaries and four sixes in that innings.
Dhoni will know he needs to demonstrate that he is refreshed and ready to continue for some more time.
He is the second most successful ODI skipper, after Ponting (165). Dhoni’s win percentage is fourth best among captains who have led in 150 or more games.
Of Dhoni’s nine centuries, only three have come while not leading.