After the shambolic loss against South Africa at Cuttack, which cost India the T20 series with a game to go, MS Dhoni had lamented that he will stop using too much of his brain when it comes to T20 cricket. According to the Indian captain, he realised in the aftermath of the defeat that he has been using his brain much more than needed in the shortest format of the game. While Dhoni is considered a shrewd thinker of cricket, ironically if one looks back at the Cuttack match, India actually lost because they did not seem to apply too much of their brains both on the field, and off it. This is why the statement made by Dhoni sounds rather dangerous when it comes to the betterment of Indian cricket.
India have only themselves and their lack of application to blame for losing the series, although there can be no denying the fact that South Africa have been the better of the two teams. At Cuttack specifically, India suffered because they did not show the desired application needed even in a T20 match. No matter how well the opposition bowls, you have to bat very poorly to be bowled out in a T20 game. The run-outs of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were prime examples of the lack of desire to apply oneself. India certainly cannot afford such lethargy if they want to avoid a 3-0 whitewash. The shots played by Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni were also not great.
India's team selection is another aspect that has lacked clarity. If not in batting, Dhoni and team need to apply their minds harder when in comes to team selection. Picking Ambati Rayudu and Axar Patel instead of Ajinkya Rahane and Amit Mishra is definitely a questionable tactic. With all due credit to Rayudu, who is a good batsman in himself, Rahane is a much better choice if one has to pick between the two. He has proved himself across formats. Also, Patel hasn't done much to be chosen ahead of Mishra. The leggie is high on confidence, and this is the best time to play him. Wonder why Dhoni tends to disagree.
The biggest plus for India so far from the series has been the excellent form of Ravichandran Ashwin. In both matches, he has troubled top South African batsmen. To fool a player of the calibre of AB de Villiers twice in as many matches is a significant achievement. Even in T20s, he has varied his pace and has proved to be near unplayable. India will expect nothing less from him at Kolkata. Rohit's form also augurs well for India. Although, he did not follow up his hundred with a big score, he looked good at Cuttack as well. Kohli too has been in excellent form in T20s, apart from the last clash. Dhoni needs to attack and succeed though.
South Africa have already won the series, and they would look to continue their great work. If their batsmen fired in the opening clash, the bowlers came up with the goods in the second. Albie Morkel, who must have given up hope of playing for South Africa, made a brilliant comeback, and would be looking to continue the good run. Imran Tahir and Kagiso Rabada also chipped in with crucial scalps for the team. Their batting also has done well, with everyone from de Villiers to Hashim Amla and Farhaan Behardein to JP Duminy getting among the runs. Duminy has stood out with his big hitting and maturity, proving why he is an asset for the side. The Proteas, without doubt, will be gunning for a 3-0 result.
-- By A Cricket Analyst
