ID :
171650
Tue, 03/29/2011 - 16:49
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/171650
The shortlink copeid
Sports Cricket World Cup Dhoni: We have to be at our best
Mohali, March 29, 2011 (PPI): Indian skipper MS Dhoni urged his teammates to be at their best and not to get distracted by the media hype as they take on arch rivals Pakistan in cricket World Cup semi-final clash in Mohali on Wednesday.
He said he is aware of the kind of hype Indo-Pak matches generate and concentrating on that might put players under extra pressure. Talking to newsmen Tuesday in pre-match press conference, Dhoni said: "We all know kind of hype India, Pakistan matches generate and we are not getting involved in all this."
"The hype and pressure is part and parcel of the game but the key is not to get involved. We all know what is expected from us and we are fully focused on that. We will have biggest distinguished guests - Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan PM Yusuf Raza Gilani - present at the venue and we have to be at our best."
On whether the hype is affecting players, Dhoni said: "No, it's not really affecting us. We all know it is a big tournament and we have prepared a lot. Our preparation for this game has been the same like what we have done in the past few days."
Dhoni's recent form has also been under sharp criticism but he thinks otherwise. He said: "It's only a cricketing aspect, nothing to do with form. I am batting pretty well. Sometimes situations are not great to play big shots. In the match against Bangladesh, such a situation was there but I didn't get an opportunity to bat."
"Batting at No 5, 6, or 7, you don't get to bat much if the top order scores. I think last game (against Australia) was ideal but the ball went straight to a fielder. It does not have to go your way always. Form has not been a worry for me."
NNNN
He said he is aware of the kind of hype Indo-Pak matches generate and concentrating on that might put players under extra pressure. Talking to newsmen Tuesday in pre-match press conference, Dhoni said: "We all know kind of hype India, Pakistan matches generate and we are not getting involved in all this."
"The hype and pressure is part and parcel of the game but the key is not to get involved. We all know what is expected from us and we are fully focused on that. We will have biggest distinguished guests - Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan PM Yusuf Raza Gilani - present at the venue and we have to be at our best."
On whether the hype is affecting players, Dhoni said: "No, it's not really affecting us. We all know it is a big tournament and we have prepared a lot. Our preparation for this game has been the same like what we have done in the past few days."
Dhoni's recent form has also been under sharp criticism but he thinks otherwise. He said: "It's only a cricketing aspect, nothing to do with form. I am batting pretty well. Sometimes situations are not great to play big shots. In the match against Bangladesh, such a situation was there but I didn't get an opportunity to bat."
"Batting at No 5, 6, or 7, you don't get to bat much if the top order scores. I think last game (against Australia) was ideal but the ball went straight to a fielder. It does not have to go your way always. Form has not been a worry for me."
NNNN
