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Everyone in this team ‘understands’ his role

Mahendra Singh Dhoni likes to be different while approaching a crucial game. He used to pick strange combinations for crunch matches, even surprising his opposition.

When everyone thought Ravichandran Ashwin, after two good performances in the World Cup, was a certainty for the semi-final, Dhoni brought back Ashish Nehra, who was dumped after a poor performance against South Africa.

In the end, it turned out to be a superb move with Nehra taking two crucial wickets against Pakistan.

Now with Nehra injured and ruled out of the final, the Indian captain is left with choice of taking Ashwin or S Sreesanth in the final against Sri Lanka.

But irrespective of the result, the captain seems to be confident and happy with the team he got.

“Irrespective of the result tomorrow, I am proud of this team. Everyone in this team understands his role and responsibility, and everyone has helped each other perform. It is not the results that make this team good. At the end of the day, it is about having the 11 players on the field who know their job and the four on the bench. Everyone has to enjoy each other’s success.

“This is a very special side,” he said.

“As I always say it’s not about the result, you can’t control the result. What you can control is how you are preparing and if you are preparing well and if it’s your day you can get big runs and make your team win. No point thinking about what milestone you are supposed to achieve.”

Asked whether the semi-final victory against Pakistan had drained out his players, he said: “One good thing is there has been no break between the semi-final and the final. Yesterday it was about travelling and a good night’s sleep, and today we were back practicing. That really helps you not to look much ahead. You are in the moment and don’t get much time to think into the future.

Regarding the importance of winning the toss, Dhoni said: “Obviously, both the teams will want to win the toss and bat first. Both the teams will want to put up a good total on the board. The wicket will get slower as the day progresses. So the pressure will be more on the team batting second,” he said.

He is also proud to play in the final of the World Cup in the subcontinent.

“We don’t know if we will make the final again or when will the World Cup next be hosted in the subcontinent. Therefore, it is important we play to our potential in the final.”

He also said there won’t be much pressure on the batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar who is just one short of completing his 100 international centuries.

“Ever since he made his debut in 1989, for last 21 years the whole of India has been expecting him to score runs. I don’t think it’s anything new.

“He’s achieved a lot and does not need to do anything more. He will have a good night sleep, turn up on the field and be at his best.

“Being the kind of individual he is, he always thinks of going on to the field and give his best. It’s his love and passion for cricket. Every time he turns up for practice or a game he’s 100 per cent there. “He gets there with a purpose on mind. And till such time it does not get resolved he does not leave the field. With the talent he has got more often than not he gets it rectified within two hours,” the skipper said.

“He’s an amazing person to have. His attitude has not changed for 21 years. Most people would have lost interest. With Sachin, God has made him to play cricket and he’s been doing it for the past 21 years and will continue to do for a few more years to come,” he added.

pradeep@khaleejtimes.com