Indeed, he even looked distant and aloof, rather than calm and collected, as he usually is in such a scenario.
"It was important (to counter-attack) at that time as the momentum was with them," he said, shortly after the heart-breaking 40-run loss.
"The wicket was largely flat, but the ball was still new and our approach was that we won't let them get on top. The field was quite attacking and we decided to play a few big shots.
"Jadeja and I agreed to take a bit of risk as we needed a lot of runs at that stage. And it paid off, as we got some runs quickly. Our target was to get another 25-30, and then change gears. It was important we get runs as the lower order has not contributed much for us. It was difficult to leave too many runs for them."
He argued that it wasn't a risky approach simply because it almost paid off. "One can always say once the wicket fell maybe that was one shot too many. But we got close to the target because of that five-seven over period. If Jadeja hadn't got out, the opposition would have felt the pressure. If you play risky cricket, at times, you get out," he said.
The captain, though, conceded that they were left with mixed emotions after such a sterling fightback. "We didn't bowl well to start off. But it was one of the best bowling performances in the second innings and that really brought us back into the game. Yes, it was still a big target, but we could still look to chase it down. We also batted well in the second innings.
Close to the 85th over, we lost a few wickets which meant we were (eventually) short by 30-35 runs."
Dhoni agreed that India have not been able to make the most of their opportunities. "We have been in good positions, in the ODIs also. But we have not been able to capitalise on them. Maybe, we are still learning."
He refused to pick Kohli's indiscreet shot as the turning point. "It is difficult to say that. There were many other points too. We lost wickets around the 85th over also. The second new ball would have moved for maybe five-six overs maximum. If we had not given those wickets then, we would have got those 40 runs. Also, we had a bad decision at the same time. So there were quite a few things that did not go our way."
He was full of praise for Mohammed Shami though, for setting up the gripping Test match. "He can bowl quick and is learning what areas he needs to bowl in.
"In the domestic circuit, two bouncers and one over-pitched delivery can get you a wicket. At the international level, it won't work on most wickets. That is the time you have to be patient with your line and length."
"He has been quite consistent. In the first innings too, he did not give too many runs. But he has to make sure that it becomes part of his bowling and he does not try too many things when he is not getting wickets."
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