We have to be at our best against Sri Lanka: Dhoni

Mohali: Mahendra Singh Dhoni walked out of the dressing room for the press conference clapped by all waiting in the hall.

He smiled, but as usual, refused to be carried away by the euphoria. He is just one victory away from ending India’s wait for 28 years for the World Cup and become the greatest captain of all time having led India to victory in all major tournaments.

In an candid interview he spoke at length about the victory, his plans for the final and even admitted that he misread the Mohali pitch.

What is the secret of India’s success so far in the World Cup?

I think it’s the team’s unity. The way we are backing each other and not criticising anybody is the secret. For the final, it’s extremely important that all 15 of us in the squad are in a good mental space and form. So far, I feel it has been a good overall performance.

Do you think it was Pakistan’s fielding that was the factor behind your team’s victory?

I think our shots were hit too hard, Sometimes, it’s just not your day. Nobody wants to drop a catch in front of 40,000 people. At times, even if you give 100 per cent on the field sometimes catches get dropped.

What did you feel about the wicket?

I felt that the wicket got slower as the game progressed.  It was a different game with the new-ball. With the bowlers bowling in the right areas it gets very difficult to rotate strike freely. The Pakistan bowlers bowled really well. It was important for us to bat till the 50th over. So although I did feel 260 was not a safe score, yet it was good on this track.

Since you admit that the wicket was a slow one. Don’t you think it was a wrong decision to have dropped spinner R. Ashwin?

I thought that if we have three seamers, we will be having more options. We thought that the pitch would behave like a normal Mohali wicket. Also, the Pakistan batsmen play spin really well. So we thought that playing two spinners will make the attack one-dimensional and that is why we went with a safe option. Frankly, we misread the wicket.

You must be happy that Ashish Nehra justified his selection?

It’s all about picking the best possible eleven on the day. Nehra was criticised for his performance the last time he played. So it was nice to see him perform and produce a good comeback. Being critcised is part and parcel of a cricketer’s life.

How do you compare Sachin Tendulkar’s knock with his some of his other knocks?

It’s not about comparisons or ratings… Sachin batted really well. He makes it easy for others at the crease and guides them. He helps the youngsters read the game very well. To beat Sri Lanka we have to play good cricket and be at our best.

How do you assess Suresh Raina’s knock at the crucial juncture when wickets kept falling?

Raina calculated his innings very well.  He was batting with Bhajji (Harbhajan Singh)… It was important to rotate strike. He played very well in the batting Powerplay. We did well today. Hopefully we do so in the final too.

So how do you plan to motivate the team ahead of the final, especially to handle the pressures of  a great moment?

First of all there is no need to motivate players when you are playing for the country. Sri Lankans are a good side. We have been tested quite a bit in most of our matches during the group stage. For the final, the more you try and avoid pressure, the better. I’m proud of the side which I’ve got. Everybody is giving more than 100 per cent.

Your plan for a great farewell gift to Gary Kirsten and Sachin Tendulkar by winning the cup must be in the back of your mind, isn’t it?

It is very important not to think about it right now. We have to focus on the final. Plenty of things are happening around us. It’s important not to get distracted.

Now that you are on the verge of a historical moment being compared with Kapil Dev who won the Cup in 1983, and Sourav Ganguly who helped India reach the final, where do you place yourself?

It is not about individuals that matter. As the captain I cannot control the result, but I can control the effort. My aim is to give 100 per cent on the field. I am proud of my team.