Chance to erase 2007 memories - Dhoni
MD Dhoni has said injuries to key players will help India test out their bench strength
Cricinfo staff
26-Jun-2009
MS Dhoni: "International cricket doesn't have much to do with talent. It's how you cope with the pressure" • AFP
MS Dhoni, the Indian captain, has said the four-ODI series in West Indies could help erase memories of their performance in the World Cup there two years ago. India made a first-round exit after losing to Bangladesh.
"Of course, it is not an easy thing to forget, especially that 2007 World Cup," Dhoni said ahead of the first match in Kingston on Friday. "It is always tough to forget that kind of tournament. It will be important for us to do well here."
India are without Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan for the series and are coming off a disappointing World Twenty20 campaign where they were beaten by England and West Indies and failed to qualify for the semi-finals.
But Dhoni chose to look at the injuries in a positive way. "Injuries are never good when it comes to your key players. But now that it has happened, the only good thing is it gives a chance to see the bench's strength.
"When it comes to India, we have plenty of talent, but it's about adaptability. International cricket doesn't have much to do too much with talent. It's how you cope with the pressure and how you deal with the situations, how you react."
Dhoni said the series would give youngsters crucial exposure. "This gives them the opportunity to spend time in the middle, play a few games, get a bit of experience, see what international cricket is all about."
Dhoni hoped the weather would stay clear for the series. "Our aim is to win this series and keep on improving our world rankings. We believe we have the players to do it and the hope is that the weather holds up and will be able to entertain the peoples of the region."