M.S. Dhoni has said injuries and a weakened bowling attack undermined India's campaign in England.
“There were a lot of injuries and once the bowling looks weak, the pressure shifts to the batsmen. This being a team sport, all three departments need to do well. You can't carry the team consistently for a long time on just one department. Losing nine players in a span of one tour is something I can't really forget,” the Indian captain said after a disastrous tour ended with another defeat against England.
The skipper said Munaf Patel's injury also restricted his options in the last game here at the Sophia Gardens. “Munaf bowled four overs and got injured and we had to make someone else bowl his remaining overs. The rhythm went missing. Virat Kohli bowled four overs but he was expensive in his last over. We lost five tosses and had to bowl in the same wet conditions which was tough for our spinners,” Dhoni said.
Dhoni said the team was not resting on its World Cup laurels. “Every series is as important as the World Cup or the Champions Trophy. It may sound more like an excuse when we lose a series and we then talk about the World Cup,” he reminded.
The Indian captain cautioned that the forthcoming five ODIs against England back home in October should not be viewed as a revenge series. “You shouldn't have a revenge-like feeling. Once you have that in your mind, you get desperate and start putting pressure on the whole side. It is important to stick to the basics. We will see how many bowlers and batsmen are fit for that series,” he said and hoped his minor injuries would heal in time for the Champions League.
Bairstow praised
Dhoni's counterpart Alastair Cook praised ‘Man of the Match' Jonathan Bairstow. “What a way to make an international statement! I think we have found a player. I don't want to heap too much praise on him but to make your debut like that and play in such a positive way was incredible,” the England skipper said and hoped the team would extend its successful journey.
