India Riding on MS Dhoni's Wave of Confidence in World Cup 2015, Says Ian Chappell
With four wins in as many games, defending champions India have already secured a quarter-final berth at the World Cup 2015 Down Under.
Following India's four-wicket win over the West Indies that sealed their quarter-final berth, former Australian skipper Ian Chappell has credited Mahendra Singh Dhoni's approach and attitude for the team's excellent showing Down Under.
"India at the moment are riding a wave of confidence and a lot of that confidence has stemmed from the attitude of the captain," Ian Chappell told NDTV. (Full World Cup Coverage | Points Table)
It was Dhoni's steely resolve that got his side over the line in a tense finish against the West Indies. His patient knock of 45 in a tricky run-chase helped India maintain their unbeaten streak in the showpiece event.
Chappell put it down to Dhoni's positive captaincy that caused a turnaround of fortunes for Team India, who came into the tournament at the back of a lacklustre showing in a tri-nation ODI series involving Australia and England.
"Dhoni has rejuvenated this Indian side. What amazes me is having seen him captain in the Test matches earlier in the Summer in Australia, he was very lacklustre. Suddenly you put him in the spotlight and the glare of the World Cup, he is like a different man in charge and it also seems like a different team," Chappell said. (Dhoni Says Handling Pressure is Key)
Ahead of the World Cup, the focus and the pressure was on the Indian bowlers who failed to make a big impact in the Tests as well as the tri-series. The World Cup however, has been a different ball game.
"Dhoni being so positive and much more aggressive with his captaincy has helped the bowlers. The bowling unit now is totally different from what they were in Tests vs Australia," Chappell observed. (Dhoni Betters Ganguly's Overseas Captaincy Record)
Chappell also observed that Dhoni has been far more involved in his duties since his Test retirement. Dhoni had quit Test cricket after the Melbourne game against Australia in December 2014.
"Having got Test captaincy off his shoulders, Dhoni does seem to be really involved as World Cup captain. The pride of being the defending champion is showing in Dhoni," Chappell said. (Short Ball Troubles All, Why Single Out Raina, Says Dhoni)
Dhoni's Team India have been the most immaculate side of the tournament so far. Can the Men in Blue keep the momentum by their side and display their true title credentials in the knockout stages?