India skipper MS Dhoni has held batsmen responsible for his side’s crushing six-wicket defeat at the hands of England in the only Twenty20 international in Kolkata on Saturday saying they were short on runs despite playing with eight batsmen.

Opting to bat, India batsmen failed to develop a single long-standing partnership as tourists surpassed the modest 121-run victory target in 18.4 overs.

“We were short of runs. We were playing with eight batsmen. We always knew that wicket would be on a slow side. It was important for batsmen to continue till end. We did not get off to a good start,” Dhoni said while addressing to press-conference after match.

130-plus target would have been defendable: Dhoni

Dhoni refused to term Eden Gardens track a bad one saying it was slower and 130-plus total would have been a defendable on that but Kevin Pietersen, who slammed blazing half-ton, not permitted them to claim an upper-hand over England in any moment of game.

I have never asked for rest for W.I series

Before the announcement of India’s first Test squad for full-fledge home series against West Indies, starting from November 6, there were some gossips that Dhoni has asked selectors to give him rest ahead of imperative Australia tour in December, but he rubbished these news saying: “I’ve never answered all these questions.”