When Dhoni's plans fell apart

Victory continues to elude Team India.

Handed another demoralizing defeat by England on a miserable tour, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni bemoaned the injury-crisis that has hit his side, saying all his plans fell apart due to the lack of options at his disposal.

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India went down by seven wickets in the rain-curtailed second ODI, and Dhoni said the bowling left a lot to be desired, although the batsmen did a decent job by posting 187 in the 23-overs-a-side game.

"The bowling department needs to step up a bit. The strength of our bowlers is not speed, but it didn't swing today. Also the variations in pace were not possible because the outfield was wet and the ball came on to the bat nicely," said Dhoni, after England comfortably overhauled the 188-run target.

"Presently, it is becoming difficult to manoeuver them around with just two bowlers. When the frontline bowlers go for runs, it becomes difficult. I tried Ashwin hoping he could upset their scoring but even he went for runs. The first five overs didn't work out for us," he added.

The Indians stuck to their policy of playing with seven batters, even though it meant Manoj Tiwary was almost straightaway drafted into the playing eleven literally after stepping out of the aircraft.

"Our lower order batters can't score big against this bowling attack. Without six batters it becomes quite difficult to score runs. So if it is a low score, even five bowlers can't defend it.

"I thought 187 was a good score. But once they got 60 in first five overs and 100 in the first 10, they never really had to take any risk."

Dhoni once again rued the injuries that have had a disastrous effect on his team's performances.

"Injuries have been a big concern. We have lost nine players and almost of them feature in the first eleven."

The injury nightmare, however, wouldn't extend to young Ajinkya Rahane, who batted with a runner during his knock of 54 on Tuesday.

"He felt a twist in his leg while turning. It's a bit of inflammation, but, as of now, he wouldn't miss the next game."