Hours after India cricket administrators were scurrying for cover to escape the public anger and equally livid media after the Kotla ODI had to be abandoned, one man was a picture of poise. His comfort ‘rubbed off’ on the select media gathering and soon the whole atmosphere was back to normal, as if nothing had happened.
There was no one to represent the Board of Cricket Control in India, when its cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was awarded the Test Championship mace from International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat. Dressed in the formal blue blazer provided by BCCI and customary white shirt with a tie to cap on (what does this mean), MS looked his composed self and was a picture of maturity after leading his team to numero uno spot in ICC Test Rankings.
Zeecric.com’s Himanshu Shekhar caught up with India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Excerpts:
MS congratulations for winning this coveted trophy….tell us about the emotions which are running through at this moment.
It is absolutely tremendous. It is a proud moment not just for me, but for the whole team. The whole team has worked very hard for it and we truly deserved it. We have performed consistently well over a period of time, and this required a lot of hard work. The results have come along and we have started winning on tracks that were unthinkable couple of years back. Be it Perth or Chennai the nucleus of the team has been same, and hence the entire team deserves the kudos and I am collecting the award on behalf of the entire team.
What has gone-on in the dressing room that was not there before?
Well it would be unfair on my part to comment or compare the dressing room environment of previous times. But if I talk of our success I would credit it to healthy team spirit that we have nowadays. This team celebrates each other’s success. Today, Virender Sehwag would be happier of Gautam Gambhir or Ishant Sharma’s success than his own. When you start getting involved in such healthy relationships with your colleagues, you tend to enjoy your game.
The most difficult part nowadays is to carry the bulk of expectations and enjoy your game, but this special team bonding helps you in enjoying not just yours, but others’ game as well. Success rubs off and the team is the ultimate beneficiary….(smiles).
Sehwag-Gambhir pair has played a phenomenal part in this success.
Viru has been the key to our dominance. Gambhir has added huge value to his wicket and undoubtedly is the most improved cricketer among us. The two were the most dominant batsmen and it has helped India gain the upper hand in historic wins at New Zealand and West Indies. Sehwag is a rare talent and his style is unique. In fact, I would advice youngsters against copying his style, because that is unique. One doesn’t find such talents easily and therefore it is a privilege to play along with him. Cut shots through point and covers are his trademark style and he will play it whenever the ball is there to be hit. It is such a delight for his teammates and quite a morale dampener for opposition bowlers.
Gary Kirsten has been quite an influence. But as a captain, there must be occasions when you both may have differed on certain issue. Who has the final say?
Laugh’s off…Difference of opinion is quite there, but our roles are defined. Off the field he is the mentor, guide and the boss. On the field I have to take the decisions. He has been instrumental in bringing about sea of change in our perspective towards a coach. He has come as friendly chap, who is always approachable be it youngsters or the bigger names in the team. It was his confidence in Sehwag that saw him take the big leap.
His presence came as a blessing in disguise for the team. And I would also like to thank the support staff, who has been helpful in keeping us fit through a hectic calendar. Be it the physio or the support staff, without them one can’t even think of India standing on the podium where it is today.
Thanks a lot for your time MS.
Thank You.
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