Dhoni urges India to learn from mistakes

CHENNAI:

India captain MS Dhoni wants his side to learn the harsh lessons from defeat by South Africa and a tie with England as their thoughts turn to the World Cup quarter-finals.

South Africa’s 206-run victory over Bangladesh secured India’s place in the last-eight, regardless of the result of the co-hosts’ Group B finale against the West Indies today.

Dhoni’s men had chances to win both matches however; the captain said the results could prove blessings in disguise for India.  “It was a good learning experience,” he said.

“It’s not only about how well you started or how long you dominated. Unless you finish off well, you cannot say you have won a game.”

Dhoni said it was good that India’s mistakes had come in the league phase only. “We will take what we have learned into the knockout stages.”

Dhoni also paid tribute to Sachin Tendulkar who is one century away from scoring his 100th ton in international cricket.

Sehwag doubtful

Virender Sehwag is doubtful for India’s clash with the West Indies as he has a knee injury.

“Viru has got an allergic reaction in his knee, so we will take that call [about whether to play him] either in the evening or on the morning of the game,” said Dhoni. If he is ruled out, Test opener Gautam Gambhir would most likely partner Sachin Tendulkar at the top of the order.

Raina, Ashwin set to play

Batsman Suresh Raina and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will play today’s match, Dhoni hinted.

“You have to wait to get the playing eleven but by the start of the knockout stage, everyone would have played at least one game.”

Chanderpaul may return

West Indies are planning to draft in senior batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul to prop up their fragile batting order.

The Caribbean side possessing stroke players such as Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard clearly lacked a batsman who could anchor their chase against England. Captain Darren Sammy hinted Chanderpaul may be recalled today.

“Surely we will come out with the best combination against India,” said Sammy.

“We all respect what Shiv has done for us in the past. He’s one of our most experienced players and that would obviously come into consideration.”

Meanwhile, fans will throng the MA Chidambaram Stadium today hoping to see Sachin Tendulkar reaching his 100th international century but Sammy assured his bowlers would play the party-pooper.

“Nobody can question what he has done for the game,” he said.

“We’ll have our plans against him and hopefully we will execute them properly.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 20^th, 2011.