India's World Cup-winning captain M.S. Dhoni backed Sachin Tendulkar's candidature for the Bharat Ratna, while interacting with the media, here on Wednesday.
Speaking at a function which launched Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) Indian Premier League IV campaign, the team's skipper said “He (Tendulkar) is the ideal candidate. He has served the country for 21 years with a few more to come. As a cricketer, if he doesn't get it, nobody will. He is known in places where cricket is not known.”
CSK owner Gurunath Meiyappan honoured the Indian skipper with a memento for his successful World Cup campaign. Mr. Meiyappan also outlined CSK's policy during the IPL player auctions, saying that the focus was on ‘retaining the core team.'
Providing the latest on the injury-front, Mr. Meiyappan said: “Unfortunately Doug Bollinger is injured and is expected to join the squad on April 16 and will be missing the first three games.”
Right personnel
While admitting that the likes of Muttiah Muralitharan (Kochi Tuskers) and Laxmipathi Balaji (Kolkata Knight Riders) will be missed, Dhoni said that in Tim Southee, Dwayne Bravo, Scott Styris and Francois du Plessis, the side had the right personnel to launch its title defence.
“The new team looks good. It is not about how good a team looks on paper, it is about how good they are on the field,” said Dhoni.
Dhoni went on to trace the outline of the batting order CSK was likely to employ, barring injury and poor form. “One of the opening slots is empty (the other being occupied by M. Vijay). (Michael) Hussey or Anirudha (Srikkanth) can do it. The other roles, till No. 7 are fixed. (Suresh) Raina, Badri and me, then Albie (Morkel) and Anirudha.”
Repeat everything
When asked what was next on his agenda, Dhoni, who has already won the IPL and the Champions League crown with CSK, apart from his World Cup success, replied “I don't mind repeating everything.”
The scheduling that sandwiches the current edition of the IPL between the World Cup and India's tour of West Indies and England, has come in for criticism and Dhoni admitted that fatigue was a concern.
“It does affect the performance of players. The physical factor you can battle. Mentally and emotionally, you are drained. It will play a role,” said Dhoni.
The option to play an extra 'keeper (Wriddhiman Saha) to allow Dhoni some rest has often been mooted, but the skipper said it was a tough call. “You want to feature your best XI. To rest, I will have to field one more 'keeper and that is difficult to see so. It is not about rest when you are playing professional cricket,” said Dhoni.
Comic book
A monthly comic based on CSK was launched and Aircel Chief Marketing Officer Rahul Sehgal presented the first copy to Dhoni.
Ravi Chawla of Gulf Oil (president, lubricants) presented Dhoni with his No. 7 jersey for the current edition. Coach Stephen Fleming was also present during the interaction.
The Hindu is the media partner for Chennai Super Kings.
