Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Dhoni wants easy ride against Dutch

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni wants to have an easy game against the Netherlands on Wednesday after surviving some anxious moments at the World Cup.

The Indians cantered to an 87-run victory against Bangladesh followed by a high-scoring tie with England and a tense five-wicket victory over upstarts Ireland.

"It has been a good start for us so far," Dhoni told reporters Tuesday ahead of the clash against the Dutch at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.

"We saw a tight game, a close game and a good one. We are now looking forward to an easy game against the Netherlands."

"We want to make the most of this game and especially in the departments where we want to see an improvement. We should not really be thinking about the result but the process, what are the things we want to get out of it."

Dhoni accepted that the bowling had not been up to the mark but backed his under-fire attack to come good as the tournament progressed.

"We would like to improve a bit in our bowling especially when a batsman sets in, how to put pressure on that particular batsman and push him into playing a big shot and get him out."

"I don't mind who is taking the wickets as long as the team is winning. To target a particular bowler is difficult. Bowlers are also under pressure as there has been a lot of talk about it.

"But they are showing signs of improvement and I am hopeful they will peak at the right time."

Dhoni said all-rounder Yuvraj Singh's form with the ball was a bonus for the side as that afforded the luxury to play an extra batsman.

"I am a big fan of Yuvraj. He bats at number four or five. He can play aggressively or be defensive if the situations so demands."

"He is a big asset to the team. He also has to fill in the job of the fifth bowler which he has done brilliantly till now."

The burly left-hander excelled as a part-time spinner, taking 5-31 against Ireland before making an unbeaten 50 under pressure to become the first player to achieve the double feat in the World Cup.

Dhoni replied cheekily when asked about the controversial umpire decision review system.

"Many times we have just taken the DRS for the heck of it before the 50 overs run out to see what happens. We don't mind using them instead of taking it back unused to the dressing room."