After leading India to the World Cup final, Skipper Dhoni reveals that he didn't watch the 2003 edition semi-final win over Kenya
After leading India to the World Cup final, skipper Dhoni reveals that he didn't watch the 2003 edition semi-final win over Kenya
We have known Mahendra Singh Dhoni as one who remains calm even when things are not going his way. Yesterday, another interesting facet of the Indian skipper came to light ufffd he doesn't watch much cricket on television.
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"No, I didn't watch that match. I am very poor when it comes to watching cricket on television," Dhoni said when asked about India's victory over Kenya in the 2003 semi-final.
The stirring 29-run win against Pakistan in the semi-final here yesterday put Dhoni in the exclusive club which comprises Kapil Dev and Sourav Ganguly.
Having replicated the performance of Ganguly's team who were runners-up in South Africa eight years ago, Dhoni's men are one step away from emulating Kapil's Devils who triumphed in 1983.
Dhoni, however, has not forgotten the disastrous campaign in 2007 when the side led by Rahul Dravid crashed out after the first round in the Caribbean.
"We are here to entertain. We have always needed your support. What happened in 2007 was bad. It took us a month to get over it. Please support us," he said.
Sachin Tendulkar's fortune-filled innings of 85 laid the foundation for India's total of 260-9. Wahab Riaz was the wrecker-in-chief with 5-46.
Pakistan made a strong start with Mohammad Hafeez (43) and Kamran Akmal but India steadily chipped away and eventually dismissed the arch-rivals for 231.
The win also helped India extend its unbeaten record against Pakistan in the World Cup to 5-0. "It was a total team effort. We are playing like a unit. Our batting and bowling has been doing well in this tournament and in the last two games our fielding has also improved," Dhoni said.
The captain said the team was prepared to take on Sri Lanka in the final at Wankhede on Saturday. "We have been tested already and we have proved ourselves. Sri Lanka are also playing good cricket. It will be a good contest in the final," he said.
Despite the victory in the high-pressure game, the Indians did not celebrate. "No, there will be no celebrations. We are now in the final. We will celebrate it at the right time," Dhoni said.
Asked if the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh came over to the dressing room to congratulate the players, Dhoni quipped: "Dressing room is a restricted area!" Dhoni praised Tendulkar. "He makes it easy for others, especially for the youngsters," he said.
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