Dhoni concedes India lack firepower of past few years

India today finally found its winning touch with a thumping win over England in the second ODI, but captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni conceded that his side did not possess the firepower of the past when they had whitewashed the visitors in the last two series at home.

India had defeated England 5-0 both in 2008 and 2011 ODI series at home but Dhoni said his side would not be that dominant now as they lacked firepower in bowling and the top batsmen were struggling.

"It has happened in the past, but it does not mean it will happen in this series also. We have our own things to worry about. Yes, last time we played well as a batting unit, our bowlers were more experienced, who knew what to do in the powerplays and death overs, how to use the new balls," he said at the post-match press conference.

"We're going through a stage when we don't have the same firepower when it comes to the bowling department. Our batting department is not able to convert those starts into a big innings. But we're fielding really well, and that's a big positive for us," he said.

Dhoni said his side will have to solve the problem of batsmen failing to convert starts into big totals if they have win matches consistently.

"This is a bit of a problem. If three or four batsmen make 50, then it's important at least one or two of them go on to make at least 75. So that the new batsmen coming after them, when say two quick wickets fall, then they won't feel that much pressure.

"I think it's very important. If you look at the good side, our batsmen are getting starts. Yes, I would like them to convert their starts to a big innings so that it won't put pressure on the rest," said Dhoni whose 66-ball 72 played a major role in India's 127-run victory.

... contd.

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