India captain Sourav Ganguly admitted that his poor batting form prompted the team management to promote young wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni to the number three position, a gamble that paid dividends for the team in the second One-Day International against Pakistan on Tuesday.
Dhoni hit a maiden one-day century -- a rollicking 148 -- which played a big part in India's 58-run victory.
"Promoting Dhoni was a team thought. Looking at the wicket in the morning we thought it would crumble in the latter stages and we wanted to utilise the first 15 overs", Ganguly said after India took a 2-0 lead in the six-match series.
"Since Dhoni can hit the ball hard, and I would have taken some time to settle since I am not batting well, we decided to send him up the order."
However, the pitch stood the test of time and played well for the entire 100 overs.
Ganguly also conceded that Pakistan gave them a run for their money but said his team kept picking wickets at regular intervals to maintain the upper hand.
"Yes, it was a close one. But chasing 357 on any wicket, anywhere, is not easy. And we kept on picking wickets which kept us in control," he said.
The Indian captain acknowledged that the wicket was very good for batting and said it hardly helped the bowlers even when they were bowling in the rough.
On extensive travelling during the series, Ganguly felt it is part and parcel of any one-day itinerary and said they are looking for an additional day's rest before the Jamshedpur match.
Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul Haq said his team put up a brave effort and had they been able to keep a few wickets in hand to bat for entire 50 overs, the end result could have been different.
"It is very difficult to chase 357 runs. But it was a good effort from the boys and if we could have had wickets in hand and played 50 overs the result could be in our favour."
Inzamam was, however, not willing to throw in the towel even after being 0-2 down in the series and said, "We will bounce back."
Dhoni, who was adjudged man-of-the-match, admitted that he was feeling the pressure when he walked in to bat in the morning but gave credit to Virender Sehwag to help him settle down.
The 23-year-old gloveman, who was promoted up the order after the run out of Sachin Tendulkar, got a chance to play his normal game as Sehwag, who scored a 40-ball 74 to take the
attack to the opposition, took away all the pressure.
"It was a good track for batting and the ball was not moving in the air or off the pitch. I was under pressure in the morning but Viru helped me to settle down," said Dhoni.
What were his plans were in the middle?
"I was well guided by Sourav and Rahul (Dravid)," he said.
Dhoni said he had been doing well against Pakistan and would like to continue in the same way at his home town Jamshedpur.
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