Try Dhoni as opener: Azhar

Former Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin on Tuesday said the team must try out unconventional ways if it is to stem the rot in South Africa and even suggested that Mahendra Singh Dhoni could be tried as an opener.

"There is a lot of experimentation and one more [promoting Dhoni] can do no harm," he said in Bangalore.

Azhar, fighting a court battle against the life-ban imposed on him by BCCI over match-fixing allegations, also said a good opening partnership is key to success.

"India are unable to get a good opening partnership," he said adding the openers needed to put 75 to 80 runs in the first 15 overs to take the team to a good total.

He criticised the move to have Irfan Pathan bat at number three when there were others who have played in that position for 250 matches or so.

Azhar felt the Indian batsmen are allowing South African bowlers to dominate them and they are also having problems in dealing with the short deliveries.

"The Indians must play their natural game. There is no point in being excessively defensive."

Former Sri Lankan batsman Aravinda De Silva said the problem with the current Indian team is that it does not have a fixed batting line-up.

"There is a need to raise the confidence levels. It's up to the players to be committed and work hard. A coach can only support. I think captain is the one who should take the lead along with some of the senior players to put the team right. Batting line-up being shifted around is a problem."