Would like to make some changes for subsequent matches in Zimbabwe, says MS Dhoni

India have registered comprehensive victories in both the ODIs they have played in Zimbabwe, and all doubts have been erased as to whether India’s young colts had enough in them to hand out a just treatment to the home side. Captain MS Dhoni, however, expressed disappointment with the level of ease of the victories at the post-match presentation ceremony.

India have had to chase modest totals in both the matches, with not many of their batsmen required to come on to bat. Only KL Rahul, Karun Nair and Ambati Rayudu have been required in the two ODIs, with Manish Pandey having to only come on in the second game for one ball.

Dhoni said in the post-match presentation ceremony that he wished his team got more batting opportunity. "So far, only three of our top batsmen have got the chance to play. In the batting department we would like to make changes," he said.

Suggesting that he would change the batting order and get some new faces in the team, he also said, "We'll sit and discuss changes for the next game with Sanjay (Bangar). There's only so much players can do in only one game. We'll see who can we fit in the T20 squad and maybe we'll rest one of the bowlers."

Decision to promote Rayudu criticised

There has been one decision of Dhoni which has come under criticism from various sources, including former captain Mohammed Azharuddin – the move to push Ambati Rayudu to the No.3 spot ahead of Manish Pandey.

"Yes, I would have sent Pandey at No. 3 and not Rayudu," Azhar said, adding, "you have to look at the larger picture. In such series, more than the runs and the wickets you need to be on the lookout for champions. I think Pandey can be a wonderful player for India in the future and he would have gained a lot batting in Zimbabwe and getting a chance to play big knocks in those conditions."

The logic behind this criticism is that Pandey can be a future prospect for the India ODI team for the big tournaments to come within the next year – a series with New Zealand, one with England and the Champions Trophy in England next year. It is also thought that his playing style suits the ODI team much more than Rayudu’s, and so this Zimbabwe tour was a golden opportunity for him to get some international runs under his belt.