With Indian cricket's fortunes taking a plunge following a string of successive losses to South Africa, New Zealand and in the Asia Cup, only a good outing at the upcoming World T20 in Bangladesh holds promise of revival.
Barring the only high point of being winners in the inaugural World T20 in South Africa in 2007, India have failed to live up to expectations in the remaining editions.
With their backs to the wall, and performances away from home taking an abysmal turn, the familiar conditions in Bangladesh may help India, who will enter the fray as a humbled lot. The return of Dhoni, after a side-strain injury, could also play its motivational part.
"We had a poor outing at the Asia Cup, but there is hope for the team. Dhoni is still our best bet. He is an excellent captain and a crucial player at No 6. He has won many matches as batsman coming lower down the order," said former captain Dilip Vengsarkar at the World T20 trophy unveiling ceremony that also marked 80 years of India's first home Test at the Bombay Gymkhana.
Vengsarkar was the chairman of the selection panel which appointed Dhoni to lead in 2007. "I am sure he won't fumble behind the stumps like Dinesh Karthik did in Dhaka," said
{{/usCountry}}Vengsarkar was the chairman of the selection panel which appointed Dhoni to lead in 2007. "I am sure he won't fumble behind the stumps like Dinesh Karthik did in Dhaka," said
{{/usCountry}}Coach under fire
Vengsarkar, however, added to views against coach Duncan Fletcher's methods which are piling every day. "It is disappointing because we have lost everything abroad. He has not been here to watch domestic fixtures. He had not seen how Ishwar Pandey bowled in Ranji Trophy and so he was not played."