An open letter to MS Dhoni before the final Test in England

After tasting the sweet result of single-minded attack at Lord’s, MS Dhoni’s defensive tactics have hurt India in the series

Dear Dhoni,

When you, along with your team of youngsters, departed for England three weeks before the 5-match series was to get underway, you proved you were determined to change the outcome of the series this time around after a disastrous tour of the same country in 2011 where you surrendered meekly to go down 0-4. The English team under Alastair Cook had had a torrid 2014, losing the Ashes to Australia and just weeks earlier, going down to Sri Lanka. An under fire Cook had to face a determined India – MSD, the path to redemption looked easy.

Although you were playing sans the Big Three for the first time in England, the youngsters had no dearth of talent. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has impressed even world number 1 Dale Steyn, along with Mohammed Shami was looking for some invaluable exposure while for Kohli and Rahane, this was their biggest Test yet.

A win in the practice game and a tame draw in the opening match later the attention turned to the hallowed Lord’s, where a challenging pitch awaited your team. Instead of crumbling under pressure, the Men in Blue decided to conquer London when no one gave them a chance. Although you made some errors like not bowling Ishant after lunch on Day 3 even though he had a wonderful session earlier, there was no missing the determination in their eyes.

As you grabbed the stumps after registering a historic win, a nation erupted in joy as we geared up for a much needed series win on foreign shores, as the pressure on Cook increased manifold.

The 7 days in between the second and third match suddenly changed your mindset. You came in with a defensive view – by playing an extra batsman Rohit, it was evident you wanted to bat out the match rather than go for the kill.

Dhoni’s batting has been attacking, but his wicketkeeping has left a lot to be desired

The lack of form of your best batsman Kohli and the injury to the leader of the attack Ishant did no good as you suffered a mighty loss.

The fourth match saw you make some unexplainable blunders. It did not help when you went in with two spinners on a bouncy wicket under overcast conditions at Old Trafford. Starting day 3 with Jadeja and Pankaj Singh over Bhuvneshwar and Aaron, knowing very well that the first half hour determines the course of the day was appalling to say the least – when I, a cricket buff but by no means a cricket expert, knew this tactic wouldn't work I am sure this would have crossed your mind. Were you then relying on your instincts?

Haven't you realised over the course of the losses abroad the instincts might work in ODIs, but just won't in Test cricket? As you succumbed to yet another defeat within three days and the way the team allowed Moeen Ali, a part time off-spinner to gain control of proceedings, talks once again started how the Indian players are just "million dollar babies" who can't put up a fight.

Dear Dhoni, the batting lineup has let you down in this series no doubt, but they are not lacking in skill. You need to inspire them as they prepare for a tough match ahead. Truth be told, your batting technique in the Test arena has been questioned, yet you did stick around and try to build the innings after you walked in with the score reading 8/4. If you can show this application, then there is no reason whatsoever why the other players can not.

Yes, your keeping skills haven't been upto the mark. Yes, your captaincy decisions haven't been effective, but you have one match to change all of that. You have one match to show your true character and I know in that one match, whatever resources you choose, your team will rise out of the ashes as they will look to show their mettle.

Being 1-2 down and gearing up for a crucial match ahead which you can Ill afford to lose, a nation of a billion will only pray you can turn around the teams fortune and salvage some pride. The Indian team has the ability to fill an entire nation with joy and sorrow – the power bestowed on you then dear Dhoni, is immense.

Mahi, all the nation wants is that your band of boys don't start a gruelling season with yet another series defeat; rather they put their heart and soul out at London and come out trumps.

If not for your pride, go then and atleast win it for INDIA!

- A fan who bleeds blue

Buy Indian cricket jerseys – 15% off!