Mahendra Singh Dhoni Says Consistent Performances Will Give India Confidence For World Twenty20
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has stated that consistent performances, like the one in Vizag against Sri Lanka, will give the team confidence ahead of the World Twenty20 in March.
Barely few days left for the Asia Cup and the ICC World Twenty20, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said "consistent" performances will give his side confidence going into big ticket tournaments. (Ashwin, Dhawan Outclass Sri Lanka as India Clinch Series)
Ravichandran Ashwin weaved his magic with a career-best haul of 4/8 as India trounced Sri Lanka by nine wickets in the third and final Twenty20 International to clinch the three-match series 2-1. (HIGHLIGHTS)
Dhoni feels his boys need to be expressive going into upcoming important assignments.
"I feel it was a very good game, important we restricted them to a decent total. Ashwin was the pick but he was well supported by the others. In between you will lose one or two games. We want to keep playing the way we re playing. Consistency will give us the confidence," Dhoni said at the post match press conference.
"We need to be expressive, the fans will put the pressure on us but we need to take it one game at a time," the skipper said when asked about their chances in the ICC World Twenty20 to be hosted at home turf.
Dhoni also said the experience of playing in the Indian Premier League has held them in good stead in the shortest format of the game.
"Eight seasons of IPL has given us the experience. Always good to have the conditions suiting you to an extent. Spinners can come into play here, which gives us the liberty to try out a few things," he said.
Man-of-the-match Ashwin said he is presently reaping the benefits of his hardwork.
"I hope this lasts forever. The ball is coming out pretty well. I've been working pretty hard, I want to contribute and attribute to the team rather than being a deficiency," he said.
"I thought I would get a five-for today. The wicket had a bit of dampness in it. I have a couple of variation when using the new ball. I want to keep the batsmen guessing, and wickets makes me a different bowler. I always have the courage to flight the ball."
Sri Lanka skipper Dinesh Chandimal said batsmen let Sri Lanka down in the entire series.
"We didn't perform well throughout the series as batsmen. If we got 140-plus, we would have had a chance, but we didn't do that. Losing wickets happens with an inexperienced team," he said.
"I'm impressed with our bowlers, Shanaka and Chameera. We need to regroup as a team."