5 factors that have led to India's fall from grace

It hasbeen a horrid run for Team India of late; theyve been humiliated in New Zealand and South Africa,failing to win even one game across 4 Tests and 8 ODIs. The team that was a world-beater not long before, that clinched the Champions Trophy and the World Cup, is now a shadow of its old self. We take a look at the top five reasons for Indias overseasdebacles.

#1 No solid opening stands

Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma had a scintillating Champions Trophy but have not backed it up in the overseas tours that followed. Rohit Sharma averages only 25 after his double hundred against the Australians. Dhawan's form has not been great either, which is indicated by his average of 34.12 in 2014, so far.  Poor shot selection and lazy strokeplay have cost them. They are not interested in taking their time in Tests. Sure, Dhawan displayed some grit in the second innings of the second Test against New Zealand, but hardly did he look convincing. A solid 100-run stand is paramount to a team’s success overseas. These two need to better get their stuff together; otherwise, the selectors may start to look for options elsewhere.