Mirpur: India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni feels the current Indian team is a “balanced” side which can “take on any team anywhere in the world” atleast in the shortest format of the game after they notched up their ninth win out of 10 matches.
“Well if you see, more often than not, the team that we have played with (this year in T20’s), looks like a team that can play in any condition, especially in this format. Let’s not talk about the 50-over format. But in T20s, we can play with this team anywhere in the world,” said Dhoni after India crushed UAE by 9 wickets in Asia Cup last night.
“We now have three proper seamers, two spinners and if needed part-timers. I think it is the right combination. And even if you go for a few extra runs, with the batting that we have – till No 8, I think we can look to get those extra runs if the opposition scores off us. So I think this team is set for playing in any conditions, whether you are playing in India or outside India. It looks like a very balanced team.” Dhoni was in playful mood when a Bangladeshi scribe asked a long and winded question with basic intent of trying to know if this is the last time that the limited overs skipper will be playing in this country. “I’m not getting rid of myself so soon. Bangladesh will have to face me more often than not. This is one occasion when the question was longer than the answer,” he smiled as everyone present in the conference room had a good laugh. On a serious note, Dhoni said that he expects the final to be a tough one as Bangladesh knows the conditions well. “As I said, any good team if they are the home team, they will always know the conditions very well. So to beat a home team is always difficult. Also Bangladesh, over the years has developed a lot. They have improved their strength. They know the condition well, as I have said. It will be a good final. “A lot depends on which team plays better cricket. This format the difference between the two teams can often be just one knock, one individual having a very good day or one bowler having a very good day. The difference between a good team and not-so-good team can be just a performance on that particular day. So I feel it will be a very good final,” Dhoni assessed. Dhoni feels that they will have to stop the big-hitters in Bangladesh team and should not allow any particular bowler to have an outstanding day. “In this format, what has happened doesn’t really matter. It depends on that particular day as to what’s going to happen. You have to keep the big-hitter out of the game. You have to make sure that one of the bowlers doesn’t have an outstanding day. The field is set for a very good final. — PTI
