Buoyed by the historic tri-series win in Australia, Indian limited overs cricket captain MS Dhoni said he was optimistic of getting good results in the forthcoming India tour by South Africa.
“I don’t predict much. We will see that good cricket is played. Hopefully, we will do better. Usually, we play better at home and we expect good result (against South Africa),” Dhoni told newsmen here.
South Africa will play three Test matches against India later this month and in April. On master blaster Sachin Tendulkar’s reported injury, Dhoni said “well, if the injury of a player like Sachin is (concerned), naturally it is worrisome.”
Pointing out that the threat of injuries would be there at international level because one gives hundred per cent to win a match, the wicketkeeper-batsman said “to get injury is a part and parcel of cricket.”
On whether continuous cricket is responsible for injuries, Dhoni said “I think we are fortunate because the weather (in India) permits to play round the year. We don’t have such extreme conditions, say six months snowing and all that. But if anyone thinks to take rest to rehab, he can.” Asked if there would be a spill-over of racism controversy in the coming IPL matches as 12 Australian players were scheduled to play in the hi-profile Twenty20 ties, he said “it’s not a great thing to happen. Once IPL starts, everything will be sorted out.” India’s tour Down Under that ended last week was marked by rasicm row involving Harbhajan Singh and a series of on-field bickerings.
“He (Harbhajan Singh) is a mature guy. Whatever he is saying... he has studied everything and (is) sharing his experience,” Dhoni said. Dhoni said the the huge money at stake at the BCCI promoted IPL would not affect the performance of youngsters.
“The performance will only go up and not come down because all cricketers are mature enough to handle things. Whatever status they are getting is because of cricket. Even if you have hundred crore Rupees, you cannot be famous but if you are a cricketer and playing good cricket you get both money and fame,” he said.
