Tensions tell on Dhoni

India squeaked through to a one-run win in an exciting finish against Bangladesh to keep World T20 hopes alive. But it is not a performance that Team India can be proud of although the confidence of having survived a severe test might help the team improve in the remaining league game against Australia. The difficulties the team is facing in the shortest format seem to show in the tension on skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s face.

Throughout the tournament, he has been more animated and a shade more nervous than he used to be in days when he was famous for being Captain Cool. He was also waspish at the media asking him a few questions about the game. His handling of the final over, which stretched to nearly a quarter of an hour, bordered on gamesmanship as such delays are certain to work more on batsmen’s minds. It is as well then that Bangladesh negotiated the hurdles well enough in the first part of the over despite the delays but collapsed just when they were on the verge of a historic first triumph against India in a T20 international.

It is clear that India would have to improve leaps and bounds if it is to get into the semi final and then push on to try and win the World T20 for the second time, that too on home soil in front of their numerous fans and hero worshippers.

While there is no denying Dhoni’s contribution to Team India as its limited-overs captain in the last few years and his cleverness in effecting the final run out to win the game, it does appear the young man’s game is proving a tad burdensome on the captain. It would not be taken amiss if it were to be suggested that Dhoni be just a limited-overs wicket-keeper and batsman rather than keep bearing the additional burden of leading a young side.