Former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi has said Mahendra Singh Dhoni is "not 'Captain Cool' anymore" and suggested yoga sessions for the beleaguered cricketer to overcome the tough phase.
An agitated Dhoni said he was ready to relinquish ODI captaincy if that helps the team win matches after the Men in Blue lost their first series against Bangladesh. Bedi feels Dhoni is certainly ruffled by the recent losses.
"Ye pehli dafa hai ki woh behki behki baatein kar raha hai (It's the first time he is not making sense). And that is a clear indication that he is not 'Captain Cool' anymore. He looks ruffled. Having said that I still don't blame any individual but the team," Bedi told PTI in an interview.
"It was a team lethargy that cost India the series. Regarding Dhoni's captaincy issue, I can't say much. Nothing is coming out clear at the moment. See what he spoke to the media was just out of sheer frustration. He was just being sarcastic," he said.
Taking note of Dhoni's on-pitch collision with young Mustafizur Rahman that cost the wicketkeeper-batsman 75 per cent of his match fee, Bedi criticised the veteran player for his on-field demeanour.
"Even barging into that bowler was very unbecoming of Dhoni. Clear signs of restlessness of mind and body. Perhaps dire need for him to go through yogic exercises," the legendary spinner said in a lighter vein.
After a 79-run win in the first ODI, Bangladesh clinched the three-match series with a six-wicket triumph in the second match. Bedi had no doubts that the hosts played better cricket but questioned India's lack of spirit.
"There is no doubt that Bangladesh played better cricket but what about India's preparation before going for the tour? They took them lightly. In my opinion complacency has no place in international cricket. Their body language looked complacent," Bedi said.
There is no shame in defeat but there has to be some concern in defeat. The killer instinct, which is part of a professional sportsperson's character, was missing from Team India. Bangladesh were more committed in batting, bowling and fielding front.
"That's part and parcel of being a leader. You are lauded when victorious and criticised in defeat. He has already left the Test captaincy. About ODIs, I don't know. But it's the first time I have seen him ruffled and that's not a good sign anymore," Bedi added.
"Man to man India were a better side on paper, but games are played on the ground. Before they knew it they were blown away. I can't imagine Australia or South Africa losing to Bangladesh like that," he added. Bedi, 68, also questioned the think-tank's decision to drop Ajinkya Rahane in the second game.
"I saw four players get out to casual shots in the second game. They talk about Ajinkya Rahane's talent, but why was he dropped? I can't figure that out," he said.
While Bangladesh saw a new star in left-arm pacer Mustafizur, who bagged a record two five-wicket hauls in as many games, the Indian bowlers were guilty of bleeding runs.
"They talk about the form of bowlers. You pick them on the basis of IPL and want them to go beyond bowling four overs. On the other hand the Bangladesh bowlers were pumped, their adrenaline was flowing far more," he said.
Bedi also praised the home crowd for their vociferous support and wished the Tigers luck for the future.
"I have never seen the home crowd backing their home team so vociferously, to the point of being hostile. Good luck to them. If cricket brings them joy then be it," he concluded.
