Indian captain MS Dhoni on Sunday said that the new ODI rules may have a role in the continuous no-show for the openers but Dhoni believes that openers should rotate the strike for the good of the struggling team.
As per new rules, two new balls are used from each end and fast bowlers are allowed two bouncers in an over.
Indian openers, Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag, failed throughout the ODI series against Pakistan to set-up strong base for India. In the last ODI, Indian team came out with opener Ajinkya Rahane, but he also failed to impress.
Indian openers failed to bat in front of fast bowling attack of Pakiatan in all the three ODIs and lost the series 2-1.
Dhoni said Indian openers need to do well against England now.
Talking to media, Dhoni said, “We have to be a little patient with the openers. The bowling was good and the pitch offered some help. Also with two new balls being used from both the ends, it may be a reason for them not doing well. But we want out openers to do well as we as a team rely on them.”
However, India records a superb 10 runs win over Pakistan in the third and final ODI played at New Delhi on Sunday, but lost the ODI Series 2-1.
Further, Dhoni said, “Victory makes you feel good. It was a team effort, fielding was good. We saved about 20 runs and its impact in the games, which are not high scoring, is huge. The fast bowlers gave us the breakthrough and then the spinners did well. Overall it was outstanding fielding, barring a catch that was dropped.”
