Dhoni puts seniors on notice: chip in, may change openers

In a tough message to Team India seniors including Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni today said they need to pull up their socks. In the wake of his side's 18-run loss to Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Dhoni made it clear that the option of changing openers was being kept open.

India slumped to 51/4 before recovering to a competitive total - chasing Australia's 317/7, India were bowled out for 299 - and Dhoni felt the stalwarts need to do more if India has to do well and qualify for the finals of the triangular series.

The direct message to Tendulkar and Sehwag came at the post-match press conference. "The seniors can contribute more," Dhoni said."Gautam (Gambhir) is one of the consistent batsmen. Rohit has done well in patches and I've scored a few runs. If you look at the first five batsmen, if they can contribute and put up significant partnerships, then the lower order - me coming at five or six and Robin Uthappa after me can really go after the bowlers. If Viru, Sachin and Yuvraj do well, it gets easier for the batsmen who follow.But that hasn't been the story till now.

'' So what's wrong? "It's not like they are getting out to rash shots, or that they are not taking up the responsibility.They are getting out to good balls," he said. "You can't really do

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