MS Dhoni
Margao, Goa: Indian captain MS Dhoni gave a twist to the news of seniors planning to miss the ODI series versus New Zealand. While addressing the media, on Saturday, Dhoni denied having any knowledge of the same. He also said that slog overs were a concern for Team India.
Following is the Media-Dhoni question answer session excerpt:
Indian bowlers conceding runs in the slog overs:
“The last ten overs have always been a big concern for us. It’s not something we have had a problem over the last 2 or 3 months. We have been bothered by the last ten overs for a very long time now. We had done well in between but have not been really consistent. It’s still an area where we definitely have a scope for improvement. The end result can depend on those last five overs. If you give 20-25 extra runs, it becomes really difficult when you are chasing a total like 290 plus runs. We are stressing hard on it but haven’t achieved the desired result and haven’t been consistent with it at all”.
On Suresh Raina’s form:
The important thing is the great rate at which he’s been scoring runs. And more importantly, he’s been getting them when the team needs it the most. He’s been like a floater for us, batting at No.5 and 6 depending on the situation. He’s also a great fielder, someone inspired from Jonty Rhodes. It’s always good to have excellent fielders in the team as catches win matches. Also, he can bowl a couple of good overs when asked for.
On Dhoni himself not batting at No. 3:
At No.3, I have done decently well. If you have people who can do a better job up the order, I would rather bat down the order at No.5 or 6. Especially in this side there are plenty of players who can do what I have done at No.3. Batting at No.5 or 6 needs a bit more experience to finish the game.
Youngsters facing difficulty in switching from one format to another:
You have to play your style of cricket. That is what is most important, especially for the youngsters. Till you cement your place in the side you should be playing in the same fashion because of which you were selected to be a part of the side. Changing gears is vital when it comes to switching the format of play. It is more of a mental aspect.
India’s performance in this series:
I personally feel we have done well throughout the series. In the Test series, not only the batsmen and bowlers, but also the part timers contributed along with the lower-order batsmen whenever needed. Youngsters utilized the opportunity given to them.
Reports are that you and other senior players would skip the New Zealand ODI series:
Not decided anything like that as of now. No communication has been sent from the players’ side to the BCCI yet and vice verse. This is what I have to say. Tomorrow’s game is more important to us right now rather than thinking about what to do after the New Zealand series. As I always say, I don’t think too much about the future. After this series versus Australia what is important is the utilisation of the 4-5 days’ break that we have got.
Tags: Cricket, Goa, India, Indian Sports, Margao, MS Dhoni, Slog Bowling, Sports, Sports India
