Published: Apr 05, 2014, 04:41 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 05, 2014, 05:16 PM (IST)
Mirpur: Apr 5, 2014
Indian captain MS Dhoni prepares his side to face Sri Lanka in the final of the ICC World T20 2014 at the Sher-E-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur. Dhoni addressed the media on the eve of the final and was his usual picture of calm. While trying to suggest that India have to remain calm and keep their emotions in check, Dhoni did say that his side have to play for the country. Dhoni also praised the role of Virat Kohli in the team.
When asked about Kohli’s presence, Dhoni said, “Every individual is different. Virat is also different. That is how the character of a side builds (when you have players with different approaches). When he came, he grabbed opportunities with both hands. That is something that has helped him. He also wants to improve with every game.”
Dhoni also praised the team environment and this echoes what Kohli revealed about the dressing room being calm during the semi-final despite conceding 172 to South Africa. “The Players have responded really well in this tournament. The spinners have done well. Overall, a perfect team environment.”
When asked about Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, men who will play their last T20 Internationals, Dhoni said, “Those two have served Sri Lanka well for a long time through the three formats. Sri Lanka will miss their presence.”
Dhoni was also asked about his side, which features many players who play all three formats for the country. “Most are multidimensional cricketers. One or two are T20 specialists. Most are good to play all formats and it helps. But, on a negative side, the same set plays through the year. We have a very congested international calendar.”
