We have to target 330-340 to win: Dhoni

India is trailing the World Champions 0-2 in the five-match ODI series even after scoring 300+ totals in both ODIs.

"You can't win a match only by scoring runs or you cannot score only 280 and say the bowlers have to win the match. Both departments have to improve. Scoring 300 in back-to-back matches is quite tough anywhere, but we have done it in Australia," Dhoni said after India's seven-wicket defeat to Australia at the Gabba.

The Indian skipper also added that in order to give the bowlers more options, the batsmen needed to take the pressure on themselves and add twenty to thirty runs more to the total.

"But I feel the batsmen have to take some more pressure on themselves now, and instead of 300, they have to target 330-340. It might happen that in pursuit of that we are all out for 280, but if we want to win comfortably, then we definitely need to score on the higher side," Dhoni added.

Dhoni also voiced his concern over the 'freebies' given by his bowlers letting the Aussies chase down India’s 308 easily at Gabba.

"In both the games we have given a fair amount of extras, and that takes that number of runs off the total score. The breeze was also circulating around and that made it slightly difficult for Ishant Sharma. I feel even if we don't cut down the extras, we'll have to score a few more runs. So there are two options, either put pressure on the batsmen by scoring 330 or give them the batting first," said Dhoni.

India will now have to win the third ODI at Melbourne on Sunday to stay alive in the series, and the skipper believes it may help them play more freely.

"Hopefully, in the next game, we'll come out and play a bit more freely because we know we have to score runs. Or we win the toss and field first and chase down whatever total they score," Dhoni signed off. (Read: Another day, Same problems: Why India lost the second ODI against Australia)