Dhoni's comments causing a stir at Indian cricket's headquarters

Mumbai: The impact of India's unimpressive performances is being felt in Mumbai, at the headquarters of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

It is understood a huge debate is raging among its members following Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's suggestion the team's fielding may not improve.

According to sources close to the Indian team, boss Gary Kirsten had requested a fielding coach, but was not given one.

Many believe that sacking of previous fielding guru Robin Singh was a big mistake.

Services discontinued

The BCCI had appointed Mike Young, who is currently the fielding coach of the Australian team, but his services were discontinued after a month.

It was after that month the team transformed into a fine fielding unit, but he was unceremoniously sacked.

After the defeat to South Africa, Dhoni infamously said: "I don't think we can improve the fielding very much because we have got quite a few slow fielders in the side. When we look at international standards, we are lacking in this area."

Kirsten had also insisted on the fitness of the players and had suggested hiring yoga experts for the team.

Eighteen months after Kirsten took charge in March 2008, Singh and bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad were removed, and today the team is struggling in both departments.

However, now many feel that it is too late to rectify these defects since fielding cannot improve in a short time.

Interestingly, the team has been told to relieve stress by watching comedy films.

They have also been told not to socialise and not talk about the last over from Ashish Nehra against South Africa.

Inspiration

All players have been provided with DVDs of their own top performances for inspiration.

Even VVS Laxman's epic knock of 281 that stunned the Australians has been distributed.

Paddy Upton, India's mental conditioning coach, believes players must relax and play their normal game.