Dhoni makes strong statement with willow and leadership

Dhoni, who has off late been under pressure both as captain and batsman after losing the Bangladesh ODI series the preceding Twenty20 series against South Africa, responded to his critics through a strong statement with both the bat and his on-field leadership.

“It is not an easy game that we play, a lot of people wait with open swords and want you to make mistakes and have fun with it,” Man of the Match Dhoni said at the post-match ceremony.

“It was a good game for us. There were a few soft dismissals and we didn't score something which was par on this wicket. We didn't start well with our bowling, but our spinners did well and gave us the breakthrough, and later the pacers also came into action and gave us those wickets which were needed at that point in time. 

“So, overall I would not say it was a complete game because definitely we can play much better with our skills but it is good to win games.”

Dhoni had retired from Test cricket at the start of the year in order to prolong his limited overs career with an eye on next year's T20 WC to be hosted by India.

“In the last two to three years, it's been the top order that has done major work for us with loads of runs. That means the middle and lower order batsmen get to bat after 35 overs,” Dhoni said.

“We do crib about the fact that we are not good enough to go for big shots straightaway. That is something we have to improve. Someone has to do it. It is a fact… It has been a good two to three years with few ups and downs. But overall as a team we have done well.”