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It is a dream to be in the final: Dhoni

When Mahendra Singh Dhoni dropped Ravichandran Ashwin and went ahead with three seamers for the crucial semi-final against Pakistan, many experts wondered whether it was a wise move.

Among the three pacers, Ashish Nehra and Munaf Patel were not at their best in the earlier matches, making it quite a gamble for a knockout game. Besides, when Saeed Ajmal got appreciable turn, it was evident that India would badly miss the services of Ashwin. But Dhoni’s gamble worked as the much-maligned Indian bowlers proved unplayable on a slow wicket in Mohali. Nehra and Munaf bowled exceptionally well and played crucial roles in India’s 29-run victory. While Munaf picked up two wickets for 40, Nehra had good figures of 2-33.

In the post-match press conference Dhoni himself admitted that he read the wicket wrong.

“It was turning, we read the wicket wrong and that’s why we went with three seamers, but in the end the seamers bowled really well too. But 260 was a good score for this pitch,” Dhoni said. “We got off to a fantastic start through Sehwag and Sachin. As the game progressed the wicket got slower, and in the middle overs it was difficult to score. Shahid bowled really well, and it was important to just play the bowling with respect.”

Dhoni also explained the strategy he adopted while picking the seamers for the semi-final. “We don’t have bowlers who can bowl at 140kmph. Overall we rely on what you might call deception — change of length, line and pace.“We always knew that if a bowler conceded too many runs we could fall back to our part-timers like Raina, Virat or maybe Tendulkar. “Nehra is a rhythm bowler, Zak relies on varying length and line. He is brilliant. Munaf has played a lot of T20 and IPL and has become smart.”

“Ashish was criticised a few games ago and that is part and parcel of Indian cricket. But he did well and his performance was for everybody to see.” Dhoni also admitted that his team’s progress to the final wasn’t smooth. “It is a dream to be in the final. Before the start we said we need to peak at the right time. In every game we had to struggle. Nothing comes easy. We chased decent scores. Everybody was tested. We are quite ready for the final, but we have to be at our best.”

The Indian captain also hailed Tendulkar’s contribution in the match. “He batted really well. When he is there he makes it easy for others. He really helps the youngsters read the game. Batting with Sachin in 15 games will give you the confidence which perhaps you will not get even after playing 50 games.”

Meanwhile, coach Gary Kirsten said Nehra played an important role in the victory.

Nehra had some issues with his fitness and played poorly against South Africa, where he conceded 13 runs off the last over. But the pacer was back to his best during the semi-final.

“We got a bit lucky to get to 260. It was a competitive total as it was getting more and more difficult to bat. But all credit to bowlers the way they took the pace off the ball,” Kirsten said.

“We all thought three seamers would be the right combination. But the wicket slowed down. All credit to Nehra the way he bowled today. He has not played many games and today in the pressure game he delivered. In fact, both Nehra and Munaf were fantastic with the ball.’

“It was a great performance by the team. Now we have won two really good games, one with the bat against Australia and one with the ball against Pakistan.”