Doubtful decision-making and lack of clarity of mind cost India the series, says Kohli

India managed to salvage pride with a victory in the third ODI against Bangladesh. But it was their listless performance in the first two ODIs that cost them the series. It was the first time in history that they lost a bilateral series against Bangladesh.

They didn’t show any fight in the first two matches and were beaten comprehensively. While the team faced a lot of criticism, Virat Kohli has blamed India’s decision-making for the loss in the first two ODIs.

Just before the start of the third ODI, Kohli said. “We have been doubtful in our decision-making and that shows on the field. I don’t need to say this. Cricket watchers and experts can see guys not sure enough to express themselves.”

“Where we lacked in the first two games was not being able to express ourselves with clarity of mind,” Kohli added.

The tensions have been rising ever since the series defeat and there have been fingers pointed at a possible rift between Dhoni and Kohli for the losses. Earlier, MS Dhoni’s former coach Chanchal Bhattacharya had blamed bad dressing room atmosphere for the Indian skipper’s failure to deliver results.

“He is unable to deliver his best because of mental pressure and because of the dressing room’s environment as well as the media. I haven’t spoken to him but I feel the environment of the dressing room is bad,” Bhattacharya was quoted as saying by ANI.

An agitated Dhoni had said that he was ready to relinquish the captaincy post and contribute as a player if it guaranteed success for Indian cricket. “I am really enjoying my cricket… if it is justifiable if you remove me (as captain) and the Indian cricket will start doing well, and if I am the reason for all the bad that’s happening to Indian cricket, definitely I would love to step away and play as a player,” Dhoni said at the press conference after the 2nd ODI.

Soon after, members of Indian team - Ravichandran Ashwin and Suresh Raina - had come out in support of Dhoni along with former India cricketers. “If you don’t go behind your leader (now) then when will you? So as far as I am concerned it’s like an army, if you don’t go behind your leader then you are definitely going to get shot. If my captain asks me to die on the field, I’ll do it,” Ashwin had said.

Some media outlets have hinted at a possible rift in the Indian dressing room after Kohli’s comments, interpreting them as a dig on Dhoni. But with very little information, they might be going a bit too far.