September 7, 2012
VISAKHAPATNAM: Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni believes in keeping his emotions under check and as a leader, he wants to guard Yuvraj Singh from the hype surrounding the World Cup hero's comeback against New Zealand in the first T20 match on Saturday.
September 7, 2012
VISAKHAPATNAM: Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni believes in keeping his emotions under check and as a leader, he wants to guard Yuvraj Singh from the hype surrounding the World Cup hero's comeback against New Zealand in the first T20 match on Saturday.
Dhoni believes in keeping his emotions under check and as a leader, he wants to guard Yuvraj Singh from the hype surrounding the World Cup hero's comeback against New Zealand in the first T20 match on Saturday.
"I feel we need to keep as normal as possible. Don't create the hype around him," Dhoni told reporters during the pre-match media interaction.
On the eve of the match, it was Yuvraj Singh who remained the centre of attention during India's practice session. From the scribes, lensmen, to ACA officials and those gathered at ground to watch the team train, each and every movement made by Yuvraj was being covered with minutest detail.
And Dhoni feels that the manner in which Yuvraj's comeback from a rare germ cell cancer is being covered, it will only increase the burden on the cricketer.
"The whole world is talking about his comeback in a manner as if they are helping him out. In a way, it puts the burden on the individual. It's important to keep it as normal as possible. Not to let him think what has really happened in his life," he said.
Terming Yuvraj as a strong character, Dhoni said that what is important now is that the stylist left-hander should enjoy his second innings. He seemed to be at ease as he middled most of the deliveries and also launched into spinners Piyush Chawla and Ravichandran Ashwin.
"He has fought through it as he is a strong character. As I said, he needs to turn up and just enjoy his cricket. That's what he has done from age-group cricket till now. So he should not think about anything else," Dhoni said.
"The manner in which he joked and fooled around seemed as if he has never ever been away from his teammates. He looked happy and while enjoying a game of soccer, he even showed his predatory instincts by scoring a goal.
"Right now, we had a soccer session, followed by a net session. He looks very joyful," he said.
Dhoni reckons senior players Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh will be hungry for success in the two-match Twenty20 series against New Zealand as they are making a comeback after more than a year.
Dhoni said the two T20Is will give the players chance to get into the groove before the World T20 in Sri Lanka, beginning September 18.
"They will be hungry to cement place in the side. Overall it's good sign… you are more into it. It will be an opportunity for players to get into the groove before going to the World Cup," Dhoni told reporters on the eve of the first T20 game.
"It's difficult for the players when you are dropped from the Indian cricket team. Everybody wants to represent the country and wants to do well. If you look at the positives these players will be really hungry to perform and be at their top level.
"They can cement their place not only in the T20 side but also in the ODIs and Tests. It's a platform for them to express themselves. So in a way, it's a big positive for us," Dhoni said.
Dhoni hoped to get off to a good start in the T20 series, beginning here tomorrow.
"Every game is important. It's not about when you are playing. Every game has the same importance. It's a T20 international game. So we would like to start well."
Asked about the team combination, Dhoni said: "The best XI will get to play. There is nothing about team combination. It's the same team that will go into the World Cup. We are not looking to experiment and will stick to our best XI."
On the New Zealand side, Dhoni said, "We need to stick to our game plan and our strength, keep working on areas and need to work on like the death overs. We are not thinking too much about opposition. Of course there is a bit of planning involved. It's important to stick to our strengths."
Dhoni did admit that he missed Yuvraj's company and it is indeed a joyous occasion that the talented batsman is back in the thick of things as he looked good during the two-hour session.
"We missed him for a long time. He has gone through tough times. But the good thing is he is enjoying it. We missed him for close to a year now. We are hoping that he comes back strong enjoys the game. We just want him to turn up on the field and enjoy the game."
Yuvraj Singh bats in the nets
At the practice session, Yuvraj's focus and determination was evident as he batted for 20 minutes — 10 minutes each in the two nets designated for pacers and spinners. Although he looked a little exhausted during the football practice as he huffed and puffed after 30 minutes, the intent was never missing.
The manner in which he flicked Dinda and then lofted Chawla made it clear clear that he is gearing up for a pitched battle. In fact, a big hit off Ashwin landed at the adjacent NH-5 highway.
Dhoni's opposite number Ross Taylor however said on-field, there won't be any love lost when Yuvraj comes out to bat.
"It's great to see him back in action but when we are on-field, it's going to be very competitive. Once we are off the field, we are all friends," the New Zealand skipper reacted to a question asked on Yuvraj's comeback.
Dhoni said the wicket at the Dr YSR Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium looked good and could help the bowlers.
"The wicket looks good and that means we will have something for the bowlers. It should come onto the bat nicely. We hope batsmen can play nice strokes."
Recalling his magnificent 148 against Pakistan way back in 2005, he said: "I started over here… in the sense my first big innings was here. I've some fond memories," he said.
Courtesy: TOI
