Indian captain MS Dhoni feels West Indies would like to maintain their impressive record in India © Getty Images
By CricketCountry Staff
Mumbai: Nov 5, 2011
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni believes the Test series against West Indies starting Sunday would be a thrilling encounter considering India’s good form and West Indies enviable record in the country.
Dhoni wrote in BCCI’s India-West Series 2011-12 Series Souvenir,” Both India and the West Indies believe in playing the game hard but fair. The forthcoming series will be played along the same lines.
“The West Indies [side] will be coming here directly from Bangladesh and will look to maintain their impressive record in India. On the other hand, we will be striving to do well in the Tests after our outstanding display in the recent ODI series against England.
“We also had a memorable tour of the Caribbean earlier this year and will look to continue from where we left off.”
Dhoni said the upcoming series may mark the return of big names of Indian team but felt the new comers would be itching to make a name for them. He wrote,” The upcoming series will mark the return of Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh and Ishant Sharma to the Test side. Gautam Gambhir will also be eager to return to his prolific ways after his injury problems on the tour of England.
“The newcomers to the team have the opportunity to imbibe as much as they can while watching these stalwarts on the field, in the nets, and in the dressing room.
“They have demonstrated in recent times that they have it in them to excel at the highest level in the shorter varieties of the sport. The upcoming series gives them the chance to showcase their proficiency in the traditional version.”
Dhoni feels the Test series being played at the same venues as those used during the recently-concluded India-England One-Day International (ODI) series will be an advantage for Indian team.
Indian captain wrote,” The Tests will be played at venues where we have performed brilliantly of late, especially in the ODI series against England.
“Our victories at Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata were achieved in a clinical and professional manner, to say the least. Our aim will be to replicate our form in the Tests against the West Indies.
“We have a batting line-up that is the envy of teams the world over. Our bowling attack too is varied.”
Dhoni rated the visiting team highly and said he expects the Test series to be an exciting one. He wrote, “Our opponents have been one of the most popular teams to have visited our country.
“Their record in India is second to none and they will be looking to maintain the same.
“I foresee some thrilling cricket, and plenty of entertainment for the spectators and television viewers.”
