Highlights: MS Dhoni speaks to media ahead of the Champions Trophy semi-final vs Sri Lanka
India meet Sri Lanka in the semi-final of the last edition of the Champions Trophy. "Overall Duncan Fletcher has done really well for us and now we are going into a phase where we are doing well for him," said Indian skipper MS Dhoni ahead of the clash against Sri Lanka.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: June 19, 2013 06:30 pm IST
Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni spoke to the media ahead of the Champions Trophy 2013 semi-final clash against Sri Lanka in Cardiff. Here are the highlights from the presser:
"It's not a must that we have to win the Champions Trophy. It's a media pressure. Just want to play good cricket", says MS Dhoni.
"Can't plan for just Mahela and Sangakkara. Lanka are a dangerous team and we have to plan for all of them", says MS Dhoni.
"We are used to Malinga. We play him so many times in IPL. He reverses the ball and remains dangerous", says MS Dhoni.
"No relationship with 2011 World Cup final. Both teams have undergone changes and will be missing some players", says MS Dhoni.
"Our fielding has been key. This is one aspect we had already neglected. Now we dont have to worry about anyone in the field: MS Dhoni.
"Not thinking of England in final. I am thinking about tomorrow. Can't think of things not in my control: MS Dhoni.
"It has not been a brilliant English summer. May be batsmen will find it a bit difficult to rotate in middle overs: Dhoni.
"We have a bunch of very good fielders and it helps overall - even maintaining over-rates. Players do not have to move too much: Dhoni.
"Having basic idea of each other (India and Sri Lanka), we can cut down on 10-15 minutes of strategising and meeting: Dhoni.
"Overall Duncan Fletcher has done really well for us and now we are going into a phase where we are doing well for him: Dhoni.
"Change of ODI rules has still not shown entire colour. 35-over onwards bowlers do feel extra pressure with that extra fielder inside. But as always bowlers are the ones who adjust much better to the changes than the batsmen.
"Duncan is well versed with the nuances of the game. He might have come in when there was transition in our side but we have a young and developing side now. He is more or less liking it too.
"Us and Sri Lanka play quite often. It gives a basic idea of what the strengths and weaknesses are. But then it is the same for both the sides.
"Teams that have got off to a good start have scored par or good scores. The new lot of balls is not swinging. We have certainly not seen that much movement but not a lot movement is needed anyway.
"Having a good support staff helps - Fletcher, Penny and Joe Dawes. That has really helped us. I am just worried about the on-field stuff and they worry about the rest of it.
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