Dhoni confident that India will put up a decent performance in one-dayers
Chris DHAMBARAGE
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni believes that Sri Lanka is the
most toughest venue to play international cricket for many top teams but
is confident that his side would put up a decent performance when the
five match one day international series gets underway next week.
India will play their opening two one dayers at the Rangiri Dambulla
International Stadium on August 18 and 20 followed by three day-night
matches at the R. Premadasa Stadium on August 24, 26 and 29
respectively.
Before the gruelling series India will play a limited over warm up
game against the Board XI on Friday at the P. Saravanamuttu Stadium.
Earlier India under the captaincy of Anil Kumble lost the three test
series 2-1 against Sri Lanka.
Dhoni recalled his previous experience in Sri Lanka where the entire
team struggled and when he really found it difficult keeping wickets on
typical slow turning pitches.
The elegant wicket keeper batsman noted that his team is keen to
improve on their track record in the sub continent where they have
experienced mixed fortunes in the recent past.
India lost the Tri Series final against Pakistan in Bangladesh
followed by a humiliating defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka in the six
nation Asia Cup limited overs tournament final at the National Stadium
in Karachi in July this year.
The 27 year old right hander who guided India to win the inaugural
ICC Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa last year said that they have
been losing the big games in this part of the world and that is
something they would like to rectify in the coming series.
Dhoni said that they will soon have to find a way in negotiating the
mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis who caused havoc with the Indian batting
during the three test series claiming a record 26 wickets on his debut
which also earned him the man of the series award.
The Indian captain also lamented the absence of star batsman Sachin
Tendulkar from their line up but hoped that the newcomers would grab the
opportunity and play in important role in this series.
Meanwhile Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardena expressed his
confidence of winning the one day series following their success in the
longer version of the game.
However he noted that they still need to improve in all areas of the
game and is hoping that the players would work hard to achieve their
goal. |