Yes, we are under pressure: Dhoni- Sports

KOLKATA: "Yes, we are a bit under pressure because it's a must-win situation. In a short series, you can't let the opponents go too far," Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni spelt it out before the crucial second ODI against Pakistan, and then he made it clear where he expects the push from his players to stay in the series.

"Of course, our batting has been bit of a problem. That's one area where we should have been really good. It's the right time for our batsmen to come back into form and score some runs," Dhoni said, even as he watered things down with "such things happen in cricket".

The skipper himself scored one of his best centuries in the opening ODI, bringing the team out of rut from a precarious 29/5 but it didn't prove enough in Chennai.

Pointing out that "We are going through a transition period in Tests and ODIs", he was more protective about the bowling. "Even in ODIs, our main bowlers who have been an integral part of the team are injured, which means we are lacking a bit of experience there. They are fresh bowlers, but with the new rules (fielding restrictions) in place, it's tough.

The more they play, the better they'll get," he said. "I am not worried too much about it. They just need the exposure."

He is happy with the 12 noon start. "With all the dew, the toss does become vital otherwise. We have seen 70-75 per cent of the time the team batting second wins, unless they have got off to a really bad start," he reminded.

On the new rules, which among other things, compels fielding sides to have five men in the 30-yard circle in addition to the wicketkeeper right through the innings, Dhoni is trying to grasp quickly and pass on the message.

"We've played just one game, it's important to play a few and settle down," he began, and then pointed to the threats: "With five fielders inside the circle, there's a tendency on the part of batsmen to look for big shots, which will often lead to loss wickets. It's important to treat each delivery on merit without looking for a very big score at the outset. The last game showed us that if you had wickets in hand and if your main batsmen are still around then you can still get a lot of runs (in the slog over)."

The new rules that came into effect from October 1, pose a peculiar problem to India in the bowling department. "We use part-timers a lot. Under the new rules, it's difficult for them to contain batsmen with five players inside the circle. If there's dew, it's that much more difficult. We'll have to play smart."

Asked to comment on India's dismal record in ODIs against Pakistan at the Eden, Dhoni smiled. "We can only go up from here."

Resource:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournament/pakistan-in-india-2012/top-stories/Yes-we-are-under-pressure-Dhoni/articleshow/17863614.cms