JOIN USZak blow, admits Dhoni
“It's always good to have him in the side because he is our most experienced bowler,” noted Dhoni on Thursday. “Especially when it comes to England, he is very crucial. He has played a lot of cricket over here for counties and the last time India were here, he bowled really well. It’s a bit disappointing not to have him for selection in the first XI but it is something that is beyond our control. It gives a chance to the other bowlers to prove their mettle when it comes to international cricket.”
While not naming the replacement for Zaheer, Dhoni felt that it was an opportunity for another youngster in the side. “Overall, it’s a win-win situation for the Indian team. We have to look at the positives; some other bowler will get to have a look at international cricket,” he reasoned.
Dhoni didn’t commit on Zaheer’s return for the third Test. “We are expecting that. He started light training yesterday but again, it is something we can't 100 percent be sure about but most likely it seems he will.”
Dhoni said he had fond memories of India’s victory here last time. “We had done well here last time but we can’t rest on past laurels,” he remarked. “We will have to repeat all that good work all over again. We had batted well and the bowlers had seized the initiative. All three bowlers were getting some good swing and they used the conditions well.”
Citing past instances, Dhoni said India would bounce back in the series. “It’s a team sport, so what is important is to perform as a team. More often than not (in a victory) the contribution from batsmen and bowlers comes together. Not only the top-order batsmen perform but the lower order puts up a fight and a price on their wickets to get us those 40-60 more extra runs.
“At the same time, when we need to take a wicket when a partnership is developing, the part-timers come up and take that wicket for the bowlers. This is what has happened in the last few years. It’s playing as a team and helping each other perform,” he elaborated.
He further dwelt on India’s fighting spirit. “We have always come back in a series like this where we have lost the first game. It’s just the mental strength and what we have seen as the series progresses, the batsmen, the bowlers and the fielders improve a lot. They get used to the conditions,” he explained.