MS Dhoni must work upon his technique against left arm spinners to reign supreme

High flying Team India, on Thursday, suffered a humiliating defeat against a spirited Bangladesh in the first ODI first ODI to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

The match will always be remembered for the kind of game the hosts played for they outclassed the World Cup semi-finalists in every department of the game.

Scorecard; Match Report; Kohli keeps wickets

A forgettable match for MS Dhoni, fans:

Another reason why this match would be a forgettable for millions of Indian cricket fans as for the first time they saw 'Captain Cool' MS Dhoni losing his cool as he elbowed debutant left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman resulting in him going off the field. Things became worse after he was fined 75% of match fees with Level 2 offence under ICC code of conduct for the same.

Dhoni, who faced the ire of Bangladeshi fans on social media, also again failed to deliver for the side when it mattered the most. Media had already dubbed the ongoing series as Bangladesh's revenge for World Cup quarter-final loss. Skipper Dhoni was caught behind the stumps by Mushfiqur Rahim after he was trapped by left arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan.

Expectations were high from Dhoni when he arrived at the crease for his team was under troubled waters and fans hoped the best match finisher in the business would steer his side away, easily. But, Team India's most bankable star couldn't rise to the ocassion after he was sent back to the pavilion at an individual score of 5.

MS Dhoni's dismissal by Shakib raises concerns for all MS Dhoni's supporters because last night's dismissal shows the middle-order batter is not comfortable against left arm spinners.

Dhoni, who owns the reputation of playing spinners well, has been looking nervous against spin, lately. And the situation becomes more difficult when he's facing left arm spin. Audiences have not seen the Dhoni, in a long time, who once used to be at ease as soon as the spinners were introduced by the opposition.

Not, only Shakib, even the likes of Brad Hogg, Akshar Patel were seen troubling Dhoni in the recently concluded Indian Premier League. Teams have picked this weakness of MSD and are now reaping the benefits of it by exploiting the only crack in his defence.

Performance not up to the mark against left arm spin:

In his 10-year-long ODI career, Dhoni has been dismissed 39 times by spinners which also includes two ducks. He has scored runs at an average of 37.20 against spin attack.

But, when one analyzes his performance against right and left arm spin separately, then it becomes quite clear that the right hander is not as comfortable against left arm spin as he is against right armers.

He has been dismissed 13 times by left arm spinner and averages just 31.76 while scored runs at a reasonably better average of 39.92 against right arm spinners, despite being outclassed by them 26 times.

The wicket-keeper batsman has been dismissed by left arm pacers 20 times but has scored runs at an average of 37.40.

Time to pull up socks:

This clearly shows that there is something wrong with the batter's technique while facing left arm spinners. Even former Test cricketer and his ex-team mate VVS Lakshman, during a post match show on Star Sports, said Dhoni's technique against left arm spinners is the reason for his poor show against them.

Before the start of this series, Dhoni was seen making adjustments in his batting stance. Hence, it is time MS Dhoni makes the necessary changes in his stance against left arm spin as well. Else day is not far when he'll face criticism for his batting in ODIs as well.

However, blaming MS Dhoni solely for the humiliating loss against Bangladesh at Mirpur couldn't be justified but questions will be surely raised against the match finisher, who is not looking in best of his form from quite some time.