Pakistan Game can Put the Australia Tour Behind, Claims MS Dhoni
The much awaited Indo-Pak clash is just a few hours away. How are the teams coping with it?
- NDTVSports
- Updated: February 14, 2015 11:14 AM IST
The India-Pakistan clash might be tomorrow but the war of words have already begun. The Indian captain, MS Dhoni, however, sees this game as an opportunity for the team to put the forgetful Australian tour behind them. Speaking to the media at Adelaide.
Labeling all India-Pakistan games as "high intensity affairs", Dhoni said, "India-Pakistan always high intensity. Perfect scenario for everyone to raise their game."
Talking about the recent injuries to the key players, the Indian captain claimed that everyone in the squad was now fit and was raring to go. (Pakistan's Lack of Experience Worries Inzaman-ul-Haq)
"We don't have any injuries in the squad", said the Indian wicket-keeper batsman.
India has had the statistical advantage over Pakistan in the World Cups but to Dhoni, stats don't really matter and the team that plays good cricket on the day normally wins. Citing how the ODI game has changed over the last 20 years, the flamboyant keeper said, "I don't believe greatly in stats. You have to execute the plan. The good record against Pakistan doesn't matter. Because the record has spanned over more than 20 years. Format has changed, players have changed. So the old record vs Pak doesn't matter."
The Indian skipper, however, was greatly pleased with his squad. (Not Bothered With Stats, MS Dhoni Primed for "Prized Game" Against Pakistan)
"This is the best 15 that we have in India. The conditions we are playing under this is the team that is capable of winning the World Cup. But for that we need to execute our plans well."
When asked who would be picked for tomorrow game between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, the Dhoni gave the edge to Jadeja, "Jadeja and Axar similar. But Jadeja is a better batsman because of international exposure."
When reminded of India's abysmal performance on the Australian tour so far, MS Dhoni reminded that the tour was already behind them and the team is looking to refocus.
"You have to forget what's happened in the Aus tour so far. If you carry the baggage then it will be tough to perform. The break in the middle has helped us to refresh. Also, it is the World Cup and that will ensure players lift their game." (Beware of Mohammad Irfan, Rahul Dravid Tells Team India)
The Pakistan captain, Misbah-ul-Haq too, agreed that both sides were under great pressure, "Pressure is always there you have to handle it if you want to win."
When asked about their poor record in World Cups against India, the Pakistani captain said, "Records keep changing. We haven't won against India but I look at it as an opportunity. We want to become the first team that beats India."
The Pakistani squad also had a few injury blows but according to their captain, "Injuries are part of cricket. We have to believe the guys we have here are the best."
(With inputs from Nikhil Naz)