Mahendra Singh Dhoni & Co. Get 'Luxury Break' Before World Cup Defence

Mahendra Singh Dhoni & Co. are going through a lean patch, but that hasn't stopped the cash-rich Indian cricket board to put them up in a luxurious resort to "rest and recuperate" before the World Cup. India begin their title defence against Pakistan on February 15. ('Team India's tri-series exit not surprising')

According to a Times of India report , a top BCCI official addressed the issue of fatigue and the need for a break and said, "We understand they are tired. We have booked them in a resort near Adelaide. (Shane Watson's 'Indian mantra' for injuries and grief)

"They can switch off their mobile phones and relax and recover comfortably now. We actually had given them the option of checking into any resort in Australia, including a few good ones in Gold Coast."

The BCCI officials, who had recently announced that the Indian players will not be allowed the company of their wives and girlfriends during the World Cup, have prioritized the players' interest, giving them a chance to cool their heels before the start of the showpiece event.

"A few players wanted to go to Melbourne or Sydney to meet their relatives, and we have allowed that. If someone wants to come back to India, he is welcome to do so, but since the team must assemble on the evening of February 5 in Adelaide, time is short," the official said. (Binny has done enough to earn Team India berth: Gavaskar)

This move comes just a day after former India skipper Sourav Ganguly felt that the players need to spend some quality time with their families to regain form and recreate World Cup magic Down Under. Dhoni too had said that the players need a bit of a break to come back strongly for the World Cup.

With continued poor performances, the odds are already stacked heavily against the Cup holders to defend their title. Can this much-needed break add a few springs in their steps and re-vitalise their World Cup dreams?