We have to keep emotions at bay: MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, ahead of the much anticipated World Cup T20 final clash against Sri Lanka at Dhaka on Sunday, has urged his team mates to keep away their emotions.

Speaking at the press conference, Dhoni said: “We have to keep emotions at bay. As professionals, we learn to control. At some point, players play a big game so they know how to control emotions.

“I am someone who hates losing. When I was you, it was tough to control. Over time, I learnt to be calm. There are situations where you don’t want to take an emotional decision, but have to take a practical one.”

Dhoni believes that the Sri Lankan spin-attack, which comprises of Rangana Herath, Sachithra Senanayake and Seekkuge Prasanna/Ajanta Mendis, can exploit the surface to the fullest, thereby posing the Indian team problems on the big night.

He said: “Sri Lanka are a very good side and have a fantastic team. They have got the spinners that are needed on a track like this at the same time they have a good mix of young and experienced players.”

India has a better head-to-head record against Sri Lanka in finals. Dhoni, however, refuses to believe that they have an edge over their opponents. He added: “In this format, psychological advantage doesn’t matter. It all boils down to how you play on that day.

“It is important to do well in the final and to play for the country.”

On the 2007 T20 World Cup triumph, he opined: “It is very difficult to recall 2007 now. People were very excited. We hope to do well in this final.”

When asked about his team, the 32-year-old said: “The players who play for India most of them are multi-dimensional. If you look at our squad only a few are T20 specialists other than that the rest are good enough to play all the formats of the game.

“There is also a negative side to it. We play so much cricket throughout the year and its the same set of players that feature in all the international matches and then they play the IPL so its a very congested international calendars we go through.”

He also refused to give any weight to the ongoing controversies in the Indian cricketing arena.