Mahendra Singh Dhoni Had 'No Flexibility' in Bowling Changes, Says Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar, came down heavily on Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his bowling attack for a pathetic show in the fifth and final One-day International in Mumbai. (South Africa Clinch First Series in India)

South Africa who won the toss and elected to bat first, rode on centuries from opener Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers to post a mammoth 438-4. (Our bowlers could not get much help from the pitch: MS Dhoni)

The bowlers then dismissed the hosts for 224, thereby securing their maiden ODI series.

Gavaskar questioned Dhoni's bowling changes terming that the Indian skipper did not show any flexibility.

"Mahendra Singh Dhoni had no flexibility while making bowling changes. But then again he didn't have much options. Earlier also, we have seen that he has pretty set ideas when it comes to bowling changes. But none of the bowlers clicked today," Gavaskar told NDTV.

Gavaskar felt bowling has been a major worry for India for some time now and the injury to off-spinner R Ashwin in the first ODI hurt India badly.

"Bowling is a major worry for India now. We have seen in the T20I and ODI series how they have been ordinary. The Wankhede pitch had turn and good carry. But the Indian bowlers did not bowl accordingly. The fast bowlers were constantly using short pitched deliveries but at 135 kmph.

"You can never trouble South African batsmen with that pace. If you are attempting to attack them with bouncers, your speed should be around 145kmph.

"Today Bhuvneshwar and Mohit Sharma conceded too many runs. I also think India missed Ravichandran Ashwin badly," added Gavaskar.

The 66-year-old however stressed that it is important for Team India not to rush Ashwin back into action.

"I know he is too eager to play. He missed the last few matches but I saw him bowling in the nets ahead of the third ODI. I think he should not rush things as a side strain can stay with you for long. He should be patient to recover before the Test series," said Gavaskar.

Gavaskar was, however all in praise of South African skipper, who led from the front with a magnificent 119 off just 61 balls. "He is a superman. He is incredible. I think the secret of his success is his positioning. He can read the bowlers' mind and can get into the hitting position quite well. India need to find a solution to tackle him ahead of the Test series," he said.

"Also I also think Kagiso Rabada has been the find of this series. He is always eager to learn and is very down to earth. Rabada has good pace also and he will go a long way."