Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni termed the new rules for ODIs set by the ICC as “tricky” and said that getting reverse swing could be a problem as two new balls will be in use from both ends. According to the new ICC rules, there would be two new balls used from the two ends while batting and bowling powerplays needs to be taken within the 16th and the 40th over.
According to the new ICC rules, there would be two new balls used from the two ends.
“It’s a bit tricky as we have not yet played any match under this new powerplay. It would certainly need a different approach as the second and third powerplay will now be taken within the 16th and the 40th over.
“Earlier while chasing, teams would be happy to keep the batting powerplay for the last five overs. But now we have to make few changes in tactics. It will be giving different results till we get used to it,” the Indian captain said on the eve of their opening encounter of the five-match ODI series against England.
The skipper also seemed worried about the fact that there may not be a lot of reverse swing as both the balls will be only 25 overs old at the most.
“A bit of swing will definitely be there but there may not be much reverse swing as we expect in the sub-continent.
Now the reverse swing also depends a lot on the nature of outfield and how you make the ball but of course legally,” the skipper said.
On the start of a new series after their abject surrender in England, Dhoni stressed on the fact that his team should keep it simple.
“We should keep things simple. During the tour of England, performance of the batsmen was impressive. Here we have a different bowling department and it’s an opportunity for them to do well in home conditions. They have played a lot of IPL but this will be a different ball game.”
Asked about the pressure on Ravichandran Ashwin to wear the mantle of senior spinner after Harbhajan Singh’s exclusion, Dhoni explained, “It’s not at all pressure but an opportunity for him. He has been my colleague in CSK for four years. He is an exciting character to have and is not afraid to take on challenges. He is not afraid to bowl in 1st or 2nd powerplays.”
The Captain Cool didn’t seem unduly worried about the fact that the team consists of a lot of junior players though he did admit that missing seniors is a difficult thing.
“Obviously, it’s difficult when you miss seniors but it is not at all difficult to manage junior players. Obviously, it’s a big opportunity for them and it is important for us to make a winning start,” said Dhoni.
When a scribe reminded about India’s horrible run at the Uppal stadium having lost all the three ODIs here, Dhoni said with a chuckle, “I didn’t remember it until you told me.”
About the track at the Hyderabad stadium, his observation was that it wasn’t a typical Uppal strip.
“It’s a relaid track. Doesn’t seem like it is as flat as you get the wickets here. That’s why we have decided to have a look at the wicket tomorrow and decide on the XI.”



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