Cricket World Cup: MS Dhoni says India know it’s time to step up with major trophy on the line
MS Dhoni has given another weird media conference, shrugging off the birth of his child and comparing Australia to overcooked steaks.
MS Dhoni says Australia’s home ground advantage will be tempered by the weight of expectation to emulate India’s 2011 heroics and finally win a World Cup on home soil.
India became the first host to win a World Cup four years ago courtesy of Dhoni’s matchwinning 91 from 79 balls in the final against Sri Lanka at Mumbai.
Australia bombed out at the round-robin stage of 1992’s World Cup here won by India’s arch enemy Pakistan, steered by legend Imran Khan.
Now an Australian side — uncertain when skipper Michael Clarke or key all-rounder James Faulkner will return — must find a way to win just as Ange Postecoglou’s gallant Socceroos did in the Asian Cup.
“It is slightly tough, that is what the stats suggest. Not a lot of home teams have won the World Cup,” noted new father Dhoni, 33.
“The expectation of the people is high and that is what we found all over India. The people say you have to get the World Cup, it is happening in India. I think the same will happen for the Australians and the New Zealand side.
“The culture is slightly different but that is something we will have to watch.”
Dhoni promoted himself to No. 5 with India needing to ace the highest chase in a World Cup final and succeeded reeling in Sri Lanka’s 274 in 2011.
India’s squad yesterday made a point of differentiating between “major” World Cup blockbusters and fringe tournaments like last month’s tri-series against Australia and England where it finished winless.
“I think the capability of the side is really important,” said Dhoni, who guided India to an ICC Champions Trophy triumph in 2013.
“We were going through a patch where we weren’t going really well and the boys stepped up during that last Champions Trophy tournament. That’s what really counts.”
After a summer of failed Test and one-day campaigns there is a renewed spring in India’s step. Dhoni’s men have relaxed around Adelaide and basked in a southern beach setting where former Australian paceman Shaun Tait and Indian wife Mashoom Singha own the Hotel Elliot.
An indication of India’s World Cup priority this summer was Dhoni missing the birth of his first daughter on Friday while adding his side had to peak at the right time.
“I know that cooked and overcooked is a very fine line between them — and especially if you do a barbecue you can understand that. It’s not easy to play four Test matches and then followed by a tri-nation series,” said Dhoni.
While India prevailed in 2011, Dhoni cautioned against living on past glory as the game and tactics had moved on.
“I think the game has changed so much with the rule changes and use of the two new balls. It moves around, you have to give the bowlers a lot more respect,” sad Dhoni.
“The way the game is played because of T20 cricket has changed. It will all be about assessing the wicket and seeing ahead of the game.”
Originally published as Cricket World Cup: MS Dhoni says India know it’s time to step up with major trophy on the line