''Sri Lanka will try their level best to beat us'': Dhoni
Nagpur | Tuesday, Dec 8 2009 IST
 

Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni today said India were expecting a strong backlash by Sri Lanka in the first Twenty20 clash here tomorrow as the visitors would be eager to restore lost pride after being outplayed in the Test series.

Addressing the media on the eve of the first Twenty-20 match here at VCA stadium, Jamtha, Dhoni said,''Sri Lanka will definitely like to bounce back. They would try their level best to beat us. We cannot afford to take them lightly.'' Stressing the need to adjust to the game according to the situation, the Indian captain said the switch-over from Tests to T20 would not be too difficult. '' I don't think it's that difficult. In the last match, we scored at five runs per over. Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh actually bat in the same way. You can say that they are a bit over-aggressive in T20, but overall they are positive players, they look for runs. ''I do think you need to change your game according to the requirements,'' Dhoni said.

Dhoni added that India would be keen to be on target and win both the T20 games.

'' We will try our best. It's a very different format. It's a smallest format so bowling, batting, fielding everything contributes to our success. We will try to be on target and try to win the two games we have,'' the skipper asserted.

On India's 100 per cent victory record at this venue, Dhoni said,''It's a lucky venue for our team and we would love to keep the record intact.'' Dhoni informed that they would take a call on S Sreesanth on Wednesday as the pacer has been laid low by viral fever. However, he hoped that the Kerala speedster recovers before the game.

Commenting on Mike Young, the Australian fielding consultant for the T-20s and ODI series against Lanka, Dhoni said they will have to wait and watch. ''Wherever he has gone, he has done well. Let's see how he helps us. It's good to have a fielding coach who could look after the fielding drills and at the same time looks after your injuries and how to prevent them,'' he said.

Terming the game as a platform for youngsters to show their worth, Dhoni said,''For youngsters it's a good exposure. They get to know what international cricket is and at the same time you can slowly groom them so that they are ready for a 50-over game and Test cricket. I feel its a good opportunity and a good platform for them to perform if they get a chance.''

-- (UNI) -- 08SPB4.xml

 

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