Team composition against West Indies based on keeping World Cup 2015 in mind: MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni

Following the 48-run victory against the West Indies in the 2nd One Day International (ODI) of the 5-match ODI series, Indian captain MS Dhoni, answering to a number of queries raised by the media, said that they haven’t yet finalised the roles of a few players in the batting order and that playing a third spinner in the ongoing series becomes difficult considering the World Cup 2015 is about to be played outside the subcontinent.

When asked about Ambati Rayudu getting promoted to No. 3, following a series of no-shows by Virat Kohli with the bat in the build-up to the match, Dhoni said: "There could be a change. We have not fixed any slot. Ajinkya played well in England. Rohit has done well whenever he has opened. It is important for us to see who bats well in what conditions. We will see it and finalise."

Kohli, though, made 62 off 78 balls, coming in at No. 4: his highest ODI score this year since February.

Kuldeep Yadav’s batting skills keeping him out

On why Kuldeep Yadav, the 19-year-old chinaman bowler, isn’t being given a chance especially in conditions that favour slow bowling, he said: "We have been constantly asking questions about who the third seamer is and who is our death bowler? If we want to play third spinner here we may but at the end of it when we go outside we encounter fresh challenge. Especially with the World Cup around the corner we will have to sort it out. That's the reason we are going with three seamers."

Apparently, Kuldeep’s batting skills are also playing a role in him being sidelined. The 33-year-old added: "We want to give him [Kuldeep Yadav] games but at the same time there has to be stability in the side because I don't know how good he is with the bat. We know Amit Mishra can bat a bit. Even in this game if you see nine, ten and eleven, if they don't contribute with the bat it becomes really difficult.

"Hopefully, he will get a game but we will have to wait and watch.”

Dhoni admitted that the Indian team’s approach to batting Powerplays remains a huge concern. He concluded by saying, “Well we have not consistently done well in the Powerplay and that's an area of concern. Ideally if you don't lose any wickets in a Powerplay you can extend your slog. But if you lose wicket it gets delayed."