5 factors that have led to India's fall from grace

It hasbeen a horrid run for Team India of late; theyve been humiliated in New Zealand and South Africa,failing to win even one game across 4 Tests and 8 ODIs. The team that was a world-beater not long before, that clinched the Champions Trophy and the World Cup, is now a shadow of its old self. We take a look at the top five reasons for Indias overseasdebacles.

#1 No solid opening stands

Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma had a scintillating Champions Trophy but have not backed it up in the overseas tours that followed. Rohit Sharma averages only 25 after his double hundred against the Australians. Dhawan's form has not been great either, which is indicated by his average of 34.12 in 2014, so far. Poor shot selection and lazy strokeplay have cost them. They are not interested in taking their time in Tests. Sure, Dhawan displayed some grit in the second innings of the second Test against New Zealand, but hardly did he look convincing. A solid 100-run stand is paramount to a team’s success overseas. These two need to better get their stuff together; otherwise, the selectors may start to look for options elsewhere.

#2 A tired skipper

In Mahendra Singh Dhoni, India has got a skipper who has won them everything: from the World Cup to the Champions Trophy to almost every trophy on the planet. Perhaps he should be given a break from international cricket for a short while; instead, he is being blamed for his inadequacy as a skipper. Shouts for Virat Kohli to be made as captain have begun, but would you want to overburden him with these added responsibilities?

#3 Fielding

With a new look Team India on the field, most people would be surprised to find this as a factor; but it has been a worry. In New Zealand, they didn’t take the chances that came their way, with slip catching being poor in particular. Ajinkya Rahane has been a revelation in the field; however, his batting form puts his place in doubt. Suresh Raina is yet another electrifying presence when it comes to fielding, but he will be bounced out in his primarily role. One can only hope that the likes of Rahane and Raina find their touch back. It doesn't help that they are being mismanaged, with Rahane batting at 4 and Raina higher than he should. Rahane needs to go back to opening whereas Raina should not bat higher than no. 6.

#4 Collective middle order failure

Apart from Virat Kohli, no other batsmen has consistently made big runs. It always comes down to how well Kohli and Dhoni perform with the bat. The NZ ODI series could have been 5-0 if not for Ravindra Jadeja. Speaking of Jadeja, the all-rounder has come to India's rescue regularly now, not just with the ball but with the bat, too. Although not always destructive, his batting has grown by leaps and bounds, and you can almost expect him to come up with useful contributions match in match out. Rahane has been miserable, while Ambati Rayudu has not exactly grabbed his chances with both hands.

#5 Poor death over bowling

Team India lacks an effective death bowler. This is a long standing problem that does not show any signs of improvement. Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are useful with the new ball but have struggled at the death. Ishant Sharma can’t bowl yorkers. Umesh Yadav is highly inconsistent. Varun Aaron is wayward, too. India must find someone like Lasith Malinga or Dale Steyn if they want to have a realistic chance of defending their coveted World cup crown.