We are out of form, says Dhoni

Dhoni contradicts coach Kirsten saying fatigue not responsible for India's dismal performance at World T20

India coach Gary Kirsten on Monday said fatigue caused to players due to a demanding Indian Premier League was one of the principal reasons for India's failure at the World Twenty20.

However, captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni disagrees.

After India crashed to their third consecutive defeat in the Super Eights stage losing to South Africa by 12 runs last night, Dhoni said, "We are out of form, that's for sure. When it comes to preparation, we played so many games in the IPL, had a week's rest and then we came here. So, you cannot pinpoint and say it's fatigue. The fact is we were not there 100 per cent on the field. In a 20-over game, how tired can you get? You can work the whole year and still play a big tournament like this. If fatigue is the reason, then I don't know, but I can honestly admit that we were not 100 per cent on the field. I don't think fatigue is an appropriate reason we can give."

Obviously, Dhoni can't admit to being tired as he is one of the highest paid players in the IPL drawing an annual salary of Rs 6 crore?

Dhoni's reply is contradictory to the statement made by Kirsten, who had said on Monday, "Fatigue was definitely a factor, as were many other things. We were trying to work out whether we should increase the levels of training or ensure the guys have enough rest. We were a relatively tired team when we arrived here."

Yesterday, India continued its woeful showing in the tournament, as they were spun out by the South African spin duo of left-arm spinner Roelof van der Merwe (1-13) and off-spinner Johan Botha (3-16).

Chasing a modest score of 130, India's middle-order could not capitalise on a positive start provided by Rohit Sharma (29) and Gautam Gambhir (21) as they capsised in the face of accurate bowling.

Small injuries
Dhoni revealed there were many players who were carrying small injuries into the tournament which affected the fielding performance.

"When it comes to the Indian cricket team, there were few guys who were 100 per cent fit. You could count them on fingers. Somebody's shoulder, somebody's ankle (was hurt). That really had a big impact on our fielding also. When it comes to a tournament like this, you want guys to be 100 per cent fit. If fatigue is the only reason, then some steps should be taken for next year," added Dhoni.