New Delhi: Indian skipper MS Dhoni's batting form has come under the scanner of late.
While his place in the side hasn't been questioned, the debate has circled around his batting position.
With explosive knocks from Dhoni's bat now a rare sight, many believe he should promote himself up the order.
Considering the way he currently operates, the wicketkeeper-batsman has repeatedly failed to provide the much-needed final touch in death overs.
Right from the ICC World Cup 2015 to the ongoing ODI series, the 34-year-old has squandered the team's advantage by not capitalizing on solid starts provided by the top order.
Despite being in commanding positions after 40-45 overs, India's total has failed to cross the 310-run mark on several occasions in the last one year.
Dhoni and Raina's cameos in the last five overs was a prime reason behind India's dominance in the last 2-3 years.
Team India seems to have lost its edge especially in the slog overs with Dhoni's inability to shift gears like he once used to.
With a bowling attack like India's, an additional cover of 20-25 runs is vital to win games. But the absence of a final flourish from the likes of Dhoni has meant an already average bowling unit has come under more pressure to defend totals.
While it is true that in the absence of Raina, Dhoni is the only candidate to bat for India in the position he does.
But with an eye on the future, the team management can no longer work with the current formula.
The absence of a clinical finisher could cost India more matches going forward.
Here is a statistical look at India's recent failures to back up the good performances from its top order.
Ongoing Australia tour
1st ODI
Dhoni came in at 243/2 (44.3 overs) and scored 18 off 13 balls. India posted 309.
2nd ODI
Dhoni came in at 255/3 (42.2 overs) and scored 11 off 10 balls. India posted 308.
ICC World Cup 2015
India vs Pakistan
Dhoni came in at 284/4 (47.3) and scored 18 off 13 balls. India posted 300.
India vs South Africa
Dhoni came in at 269/4 (44.5 overs) and scored 18 off 11 balls. India posted 307.
India vs Bangladesh
Dhoni came in at 237/4 (43.5) and scored 6 off 11 balls. India posted 302.
