India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni looks into how players respond to a particular situation, which he feels is more important than technique.
“A lot of people talk about technique but what is important for me a better player is one who responds to the situation. Credit to Rohit and Shikhar as they have batted well at the top. As far as our fielding is concerned, there has been a cultural change,” Dhoni said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
“I am the oldest in this team and during our younger days we used to roll over while the youngsters now dive, slide due to lush green outfields.”
For someone, who has won all the ICC events, when Nasser Hussain asked that what else is left to achieve, he could only offer a smile that defined containment but there wasn’t any exaggeration of emotion which is typically Dhoni.
“What matters is the next game. We are going to West Indies now. Winning is important for the team. I am happy my players are playing well when it matters.”
About the new bunch that has adapted so well in international cricket, Dhoni said that playing in front of big crowds in the IPL has certainly helped.
“Some of our players are experienced in international cricket. New players have played IPL matches in front of thousands.”
Dhoni gave credit to his batsmen for scoring 130 on a sluggish pitch where batting looked difficult due to rain interruptions.
Shikhar Dhawan, who had a fantastic tournament said that the pace and bounce of the wicket did suit his style of play.
“I love bouncy tracks as it suits my game. I practice hard in the nets and I am loving every moment of it. It’s doubly special as I was out for two years. I always knew I had the talent but I wasn’t scoring that many runs.”
Special feeling: Kohli
Virat Kohli, the top-scorer of the final said that “winning seven out seven matches (including practice games) was a special feeling. Our boys showed a lot of character.”
Kohli enthralled the crowd with his own version of “Gangnam style” and a few push-ups that reminded one and all of his RCB colleague Chris Gayle’s manner of celebration after winning World T20 in Sri Lanka.
I was very positive: Jadeja
Man of the final Ravindra Jadeja said, “I did well throughout the tournament and I was very positive. It was quite difficult to rotate the strike, so myself and Virat just tried to build a good partnership. I was enjoying the bowling on this wicket. The skipper always backs me when I bowl.”
Devastated: Cook
A dejected England captain Alastair Cook said, “It’s tough to take at the moment. I think both sides found the pitch quite hard to bat on. You are always going to think of different reasons. I’m proud of the way the players have performed in this tournament.
“With 20-odd needed off 16 balls it was in our hands. There have been a lot of good performances, but at the moment we are a bit devastated.”
