The Kohli and Dhoni dilemma

Virat Kohli is disappointed with losing his wicket.

With their shock loss at the hands of England, questions have been raised with some of India’s best players and their approach to their run chase. Set 338 to win on a wicket that didn’t look too difficult to bat on, a fast start was required to set the platform for India to be able to chase the total down. With a side that boasts a man with three (yes three) triple centuries to his name, as well as Virat Kohli, a man who’s stats surprisingly are in favour of run chases, if any team could set a new record for a World Cup run chase, it was this one.

India couldn’t have had a worse start with KL Rahul chewing up 9 balls before he was caught and bowled by Chris Woakes for a duck. This brought Virat Kohli to the crease, who averages near 70 in second innings, and has scored 25 of his 41 centuries while chasing. With Rohit Sharma, this was the partnership for India to match the dynamic English openers Roy and Bairstow who amassed 160 in just 22 overs.

Unfortunately for India, these two would combine for a 138 run stand in 26 overs. Not only were they 22 runs behind their counterparts, but also used a further four overs in doing so. It was odd to see the Indian batsmen play within themselves. The English bowlers must have been wondering if it was an early Christmas. As the required run rate climbed, Sharma and Kohli barely changed their slow approach.

With the wickets of Kohli, for 76 ball 66, and Sharma for a 109 ball 102, the top three batsmen of India combined for 168 off 194, seemingly giving up 26 balls which would later come to haunt them. It would mean the remaining batsmen would need to score 170 runs, off just 106 balls. It would prove to be too much.

A late flurry from MS Dhoni would make his innings look more respectable.

MS Dhoni would come to the crease, and although he finished with 42 off 31, boosted by his 13 off his last 6 balls, He was at one stage 11 off 11 balls, and given the circumstances at the time, with India requiring 13 an over, it was simply not good enough from Dhoni.

Unfortunately for Rohit Sharma, he was just as likely to score his next 60 runs off 30 balls, and completely change the way the run chase went. Generally, however, Kohli, Sharma and Dhoni’s approach to their batting at Edgbaston was simply too selfish, batting within themselves and without taking the necessary risks to challenge England’s 337. Many Indian fans, and just cricket fans in general, would have preferred to see India get bowled out in the 45th over after truly giving it a shake, than lose by 31 runs and have 5 wickets remaining.

For some unknown reason, India thought an alternate strip was required to play against the baby blue of England. They strolled out onto the field looking like The Netherlands. Ironically, they would bat like them too. England and Australia have now emerged as the favourites for this World Cup, and after today’s performance India don’t deserve to be in their category.