Shikhar Dhawan highlights areas of concern for Team India after the first ODI

India started their ODI campaign against New Zealand on a sour note as their bowlers failed to defend a staggering total despite a handful of early breakthroughs. Shikhar Dhawan led the charge emphatically with the bat, shaking off the lean patch that bothered him against South Africa.

He anchored the Indian innings up front, scoring a fine 72 before the reins were taken over by Shreyas Iyer, inflicting some serious dent upon the Kiwis. India piled up 306 on the board but a stunning show by Tom Latham, accompanied by his skipper Kane Williamson, allowed the hosts to run away with the bragging rights.

Talking at the post-match conference, Dhawan pointed out India’s areas of concern and also heaped praises on the Indian top-order for putting up a fine act away from home.

Dhawan said, “We felt good with the total. The ball was seaming in the first 15 overs. This ground is a bit different than other grounds. We bowled a lot on a short of a length, and Latham attacked. We misfielded on a few balls. But as I said, we were quite short to Latham, and that's where he took the game away. He hit four boundaries in the 40th over, and that's where the game shifted. Surely lots of learning for the boys."

Dhawan will once again be leading the Men in Blue against the hosts at the Seddon Park on Sunday in the second ODI of the series as the visitors will be desperate to restore parity.