Press Trust of India
Mirpur, March 4: India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni stated that at present India are a very balanced side and ready to challenge any side anywhere in the world in the T20 format of the game. He definitely can say that as India have won nine out of their last 10 T20 games.
“Well if you see, more often than not, the team that we have played with (this year in T20’s), looks like one that can play in any condition, especially in this format. Let’s not talk about the 50-over format. But in T20s, we can play with this team anywhere in the world,” said Dhoni after India’s victory Thursday night over UAE.
“We now have three proper seamers, two spinners and if needed part-timers. I think it is the right combination. And even if you go for a few extra runs, with the batting that we have – till No. 8, I think we can look to get those extra runs. So I think this team is set for playing in any conditions, whether in India or abroad, added the Indian skipper.
Dhoni was in a jovial mood when a Bangladeshi scribe asked a long and winded question about whether this was the last time that the Indian skipper was playing in Bangladesh.
“I’m not getting rid of myself so soon. Bangladesh will have to face me more often than not. This is one occasion when the question was longer than the answer,” he smiled and said as everyone present in the conference room broke up in peals. On a serious note, Dhoni said that he expected the final to be tough as Bangladesh know the conditions well.
“As I said, any side is good if they are the home team, they will always know the conditions very well. So to beat the hosts is always going to be difficult. Also Bangladesh, over the years, have developed a lot. They have improved in every department of the game. It will be a good, well-contested final,” pointed out Dhoni
“A lot depends on which team plays better cricket. This format the difference between the two teams can often be just one knock, one individual having a very good day or one bowler having a dream spell,” he added.
Dhoni also asserted that India will have to stop the big-hitters of Bangladesh and should not allow any particular bowler to have an outstanding day.
“In this format, what has happened doesn’t really matter. It depends on the form of that particular day. You have to keep the big-hitters quiet and have to prevent the opposition bowlers from taking control,” said the Indian skipper.
