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We've touched lowest point, says Sourav
Sourav Ganguly on Sunday conceded the stunning defeat against the hosts in the second ODI was India's lowest point of the season.
India captain Sourav Ganguly on Sunday conceded the stunning defeat against Bangladesh in the second One-Day International (ODI) was his team's lowest point of the current season.
India have been performing below expectations in one-day tournaments this season, starting with a defeat against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final at Colombo in August.
India then failed to qualify for a tri-series final in the Netherlands, lost to England in a three-match series and then won just one game in the Champions Trophy.
"Obviously, it's the lowest point," Ganguly said after his team scored 214 in reply to Bangladesh's 229-9 to lose by 15 runs under lights before a capacity crowd.
Bangladesh, playing their 100th ODI, squared the series with their third victory against a Test-playing nation.
"This is a matter of concern. We need to wake up and do something better in the deciding game on Monday," said Ganguly.
The Indian captain was all praise for Bangladesh, saying the hosts outplayed his team in all departments of the game.
"We must give full credit to Bangladesh for their outstanding all-round effort," said Ganguly.
"Their bowling was backed by outstanding fielding. They have improved as a bowling and fielding side in this series. We were just not good enough today."
Ganguly said India would field a full-strength side in the decider after having rested four key players for Sunday's day-night game.
"Obviously, we are going to be at our full-strength because it's the series decider," he said.
Key players Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan Singh had to sit out to make way for reserve players.
"I don't think youngsters are to blame for the defeat. It's the entire team. We have to give them an opportunity as the selectors have picked them," he said.
"We didn't bat well. I think a total of 230 was gettable, but we lost wickets at regular intervals. In the end, we were beaten by a side that played better cricket than us."
