Can MS Dhoni's India make it 2-1 vs New Zealand in Mohali?

New Zealand winning the second ODI in Delhi was a wake-up call for Ms Dhoni, who realises that he cannot afford slips in Mohali today, especially when his captaincy is under the scanner

Team India skipper MS Dhoni and vice-captain Virat Kohli during a team practice session on the eve of the third ODI against New Zealand at the PCA Stadium in Mohali on Saturday. Pic/PTI

Mohali: India now realise that they cannot lower their guard even for a minute as New Zealand are a different force in ODIs. The way the Kiwis throttled the Indians while chasing a not-so-formidable total in Delhi was surely a wake-up call for them.

Besides, India are not at full strength, opting to rest most of the bowlers, who played in the Test series, and have also been hampered by injuries to Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul. With Suresh Raina still mysteriously being kept away, the team have a few players whose mettle is being tested. With skipper MS Dhoni bent on batting at No. 5 and Raina missing from the line-up, the middle- and lower-order lacks experience to close a match, as was witnessed in Delhi.

Rohit needs to strike
In such circumstances it is imperative that the top-order strikes form, especially Rohit Sharma, who is yet to get going in the series. The team would be looking at the record-breaking Mumbaikar to get to his best at Mohali itself, where the New Zealanders would fancy their chances of stunning the home team again in conditions which suit their game.

With the team having come a cropper in Delhi, Dhoni had a stern look on his face at the nets on Saturday, when he supervised while head coach Anil Kumble guided other players. The under-pressure skipper realises that he cannot afford many slips especially when his captaincy is under the scanner. There were just 13 Indian players who were put through the paces at the PCA Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Besides Raina, who has not travelled to Mohali, also missing was Hardik Pandya. There was no information forthcoming on him from the team management. It is not known whether he was just resting or has a niggle to take care of.

One can only hope he is fit for the crucial game today. With the selectors set to name the team for the last two ODIs after the Mohali game, it is imperative for players like Manish Pandey and Kedar Jadhav to make the most of the opportunity. There are players of the calibre of Dhawan and Rahul waiting in the wings.

Team India do not have too many ODIs before the Champions Trophy in June next year to give a long rope to players on trial. One player who has made the most of his opportunities is Amit Mishra who is relishing the role of a senior spinner, having taken three wickets apiece at Dharamsala and Delhi. In the absence of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja he has held the fort for India, but his lack of contribution with the bat can go against him. He failed miserably, playing a rash stroke in Delhi.

Positive attitude
Mishra said that the atmosphere in the dressing room remained positive despite the setback in the last game. "Anil Bhai (Kumble) is always positive no matter what happens. The team has the talent to win every match. But we did not play to our potential. We would have won had we played proper cricket (in Delhi). We will try not to repeat the mistakes of the last game," said Mishra.

It is obvious, the Indian team have to take the Delhi defeat as one-off bad day at the office and go with confidence and vigour, despite being hampered by the absence of some regular players.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!