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This article was first published 12 years ago

'We haven't been able to perform to our potential'

Last updated on: February 26, 2012 18:20 IST


India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Sunday said that he "can't pinpoint one particular reason" for his team's failure in the ongoing ODI tri-series where they have lost their fourth match. 

"I can't pinpoint one particular reason. We need to bat well. Also I have lost most of the tosses and we have had to bat second under lights which is a difficult thing. We haven't been able to perform to our potential," Dhoni stated at the post-match presentation ceremony. 

About the overall series, Dhoni feels that the youngsters in the team have learnt a lot playing on the big grounds. Talking about on Sunday's defeat, Dhoni said, "When we chased, we left too many overs for Nos 7, 8 and 9. 

"Overall I was quite happy to restrict Australia for 252 when I thought they could have scored 270 plus. Sehwag realy bowled well for us."

'I am not good in mathematics'


Dhoni admitted that things got a bit difficult once Irfan got injured. 

"Things  became difficult as Irfan got injured and Umesh also went for runs although he came back well." Mathematically, India are still have a chance of making it to the final provided they beat Sri Lanka with bounus point and the islanders even lose to Australia but Dhoni didn't want to get into the details. 

"I am not good in mathematics and I would rather concentrate on my on-field job."

Australia's stand-in captain Shane Watson admitted to being "nervous" as he was leading the national team for the first team.

"It's a nice start. But I was certainly nervous not knowing what to expect but all worked well. When you are leading you can just stand at the first slip and concentrate on your bowling. But here you have to think and try to make an impact," Watson.

'I won't say no but I would like Michael to come back'


Although Indians seemed to unhappy in the manner David Hussey obstructed Dhoni's view during what could have been a clear run-out, Watson answered, "I have absolute faith in Billy Bowden and Simon Taufel. They are the best in the world."

Asked whether he would be happy to continue, he smiled and said, "I won't say no but I would like Michael to come back."

Man-of-the-watch David Warner said, "I obviously needed runs and it was a crucial game. I backed myself and tried to work the ball around. I tried to hit the deliveries on merit. Also running Tendulkar out with a direct hit was special."

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