Dhoni slams ‘disappointing’ batting, puts onus on seniors

Kolkata : Indian skipper M.S. Dhoni Thursday blamed another “disappointing batting performance” for the loss against Pakistan in the crucial second one-dayer at the Eden Gardens here, which allowed the visitors to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

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“Our bowlers did well to restrict them to 250 runs but our batting was disappointing. The key was to keep wickets in hand but we could not do that, which cost us the match,” Dhoni said post the 85-run loss to Pakistan.

Putting onus on the “senior batsmen”, the skipper rued that his batters failed to soak in the pressure and consolidate the innings.

“When the seniors, the experienced guys are not performing, it puts pressure on the juniors. It is important that the seniors stand up and take responsibility as also guide the juniors.”

“While chasing, we lost too many wickets and with nearly 180 of the last 30 overs required, we were never in the game. The need was someone standing up and soaking up the pressure and consolidate the innings. Unfortunately we failed to do so,” said Dhoni.

He also said that the Pakistan target of 250 was “chaseable” and credited his bowlers for their effort.

“Our bowlers bowled well to bring us back in the game and restricted them to 250. It was a chaseable target but our batsmen failed to apply. As a batsman, you need to keep out the good balls and if you are not able to do that you lose your wicket,” he said.

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Dhoni though refused to put the blame on any single individual and conceded it was tough facing the media after repeated losses.

“It is a difficult time for us but we cannot blame any individual. It is team sport and the whole team needs to take the responsibility. We need to be calm and take decisions accordingly. After the loss we are all emotionally charged and it is not the right time to take any decisions,” added Dhoni.