Dhoni wants big scores from Gambhir, Sehwag

Kolkata, Dec 4 (IANS): Ahead of their crucial Test match against England at the Eden Gardens here, Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni Tuesday said he was hoping for a big contribution from his openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir.

“We all know about the ability of our openers. If both of them can score in the same innings it will be a big plus for us. We don’t want to put extra pressure on them but back them for the game they are used to play,” Dhoni told mediapersons here on the eve of the match.

“The first innings in any Test match is very crucial as it sets up the game. We have seen the game change a lot in the last two days in India. So it is very important to be at par in the first two-three days and assess the pitch and the wear and tear it suffers,” he said.

Dhoni also said he was expecting young guns Cheteswar Pujara and Virat Kohli to come good in the game.

With the team enjoying a week’s break following their humiliating ten-wicket loss in the second Test at Mumbai, Dhoni said it has helped the players recharge themselves.

“It has allowed the bowlers to get back to their best, while the batsmen had the time to reflect on what went wrong in the last game,” he said.

Describing the Eden crowd as “cricket lovers”, Dhoni said the game will witness a big crowd.

“The pitch here is good for stroke making, the outfield is quick and the cricket lovers will enjoy the game. People of Kolkata are cricket lovers and I am looking forward to a big crowd here,” added Dhoni.

The four-match Test series is currently tied 1-1.