Mahendra Singh Dhoni Struggling But Give Him Time, Says Sunil Gavaskar

India's loss to Australia in the Brisbane ODI, despite scoring 308, has raised quite a few questions. Apart from bowlers' failure, the poor show of the middle order sticks out like a sore thumb and more so when it has Mahendra Singh Dhoni in it, once known to be world's best finisher. (In Record Chase, Australia Thrash India to Take 2-0 Lead; Rohit Sharma Century Goes in Vain Again)

The India captain could score just 11 in the second ODI of the five-match series, with his team trailing two-nil. In his last five innings, Dhoni scores are 47, 15, 27, 18 and 11. He is certainly going through a lean patch, and former India captain Sunil Gavaskar feels that not playing competitive cricket regularly is affecting Dhoni's form. (Mahendra Singh Dhoni Wants Batsmen to Take Extra Pressure)

"Dhoni used to be a finisher who was India's pride and the world's envy. But he is struggling now. May be he is being affected for not playing competitive cricket regularly," Gavaskar told NDTV. Dhoni quit Test cricket in Australia last year, handing over the reins to Virat Kohli.

Before the Australia ODI series, Dhoni last played at the international level in October against South Africa in an ODI series which India lost. Since he has retired from the longest format, Dhoni spent the time in between playing a few Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches for Jharkhand, while Kohli-led India defeated South Africa 3-0 in a Test series.

Kapil Dev questioned Dhoni's motivation level

Another legendary Indian captain Kapil Dev had said that not playing Test cricket is affecting Dhoni as a limited-overs player.

"When you stop playing Test cricket, it is very tough to carry on playing and keep your momentum going. Dhoni's fitness will key, he is not short on ability but when you stop playing one format, then it is very difficult to motivate yourself," Kapil had told NDTV, in a recent interview.

However, Gavaskar said that Dhoni should be given time.

"Dhoni has won so many matches for India. He is going through a lean patch but we should let him be. Only he should not be singled out. Obviously if the middle order would have done well today, India would have scored 20 to 30 runs more. But with the way the Australians were batting, even that score would have been achieved easily," Gavaskar said in an exclusive chat.

"Also, when a team wins we all say that it was a team effort. So, when the team has lost, the whole team should share the blame. Obviously there was a lack of team effort."





Bowlers need discipline: Gavaskar

The 66-year-old Gavaskar advised the Indian bowlers to be more disciplined. None of the Indian bowlers had an economy rate of less than 5.50 in the Brisbane ODI, as Australia reached the 309-run target with one over to spare.

"Indian bowlers should try harder to get those early wickets. They should also be more disciplined. The white ball does not help the bowlers much and they should avoid the mistake of giving too many wides and no balls. Also, we lost some easy catching opportunities today," he said.

"In recent times, India hasn't got that magical someone who will singlehandely take the team to win. When our batting does well, the bowlers fail us. That needs to be sorted out."

George Bailey top-scored for Australia in the Brisbane ODI, with a 76.

© AFP

'Australia playing like champions'

However, Gavaskar praised the effort of Australia, who set a new record of highest run chase at the Gabba on Friday.

"Australia are the champion team and know the conditions well. All over the world the home team enjoys some extra benefit. They are not limited to only 15, 16 or 17 players like the visiting team.

"So, if a David Warner takes a paternity leave, then Shaun Marsh comes in to take his place," Gavaskar said. "India need to break the batting dominance of the Australians soon."