MS Dhoni: There was miscommunication on whether Shikhar Dhawan or Virat Kohli will bat

Dhawan injured his wrist while batting on practice pitches 

At the start of Day 4 of the crucial Test match played between Australia and India at The Gabba, Brisbane, everyone was surprised, as instead of Shikhar Dhawan walking out to bat with Cheteshwar Pujara, it was Virat Kohli, who took strike.

It was later revealed by the Indian management that Dhawan had suffered a wrist injury while batting on the worn-out wickets that were provided for practice. Dhawan, eventually came out to bat at the fall of Ravichandran Ashwin's wicket and went on to score 81. However, that fine knock wasn't enough for India to escape from losing the second Test.

MS Dhoni, India's captain, said that they didn't manage the situation well and there was 'miscommunication' regarding whether Dhawan or the No.4 batsman, Virat Kohli, will walk out to bat with Pujara.

"There was miscommunication in our dressing room about whether Shikhar [Dhawan] will go in to bat or Kohli will go in to bat," Dhoni said, after India lost the second Test in four days. "I don't think we really handled the situation very well. I think the only way out of that was for the batsmen to spend a little time. However, we were not able to do that.

"Yes, we were having a bat in the nets and, you know, the wickets were not very good and he got hit. He didn't really react too badly there, so we thought it's one of those where you get a hit but you are fine to bat.

"However, by the time we came back, he was really feeling the pain. He was not really in a position to go in to bat. I felt we were able to give only five to seven minutes' notice to Kohli that he's going in next and I believe to some extent it created a bit of unrest in the dressing room. From there on, we were not able to get back. I would say that was one of the shortfalls, one area which we should have handled better," Dhoni explained.

Intriguingly, Kohli too had taken a blow due to one of the deliveries rearing up on him disconcertingly from a length on those practice pitches. Kohli, known for his assured footwork especially while taking a stride forward to face up to Australia's fiery quick, Mitchell Johnson, looked out of his depth on Day 4. His brief stay at the crease was ended by Johnson as he shattered his stumps. It triggered a collapse and India lost a slew of wickets in the first session.

It has been reported that India are yet to lodge an official complaint with Cricket Australia (CA) on this matter. Kevin Mitchell (Jnr), who has been the groundsman for more than two decades, spoke toCourier-Mail on the issue. "The practice wickets are fine. They wear just like a match pitch does and reflect what is happening in the middle. We have never had a complaint from another touring team."