Dhoni plays down revenge talk

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Saturday’s clash had all the ingredients for a thriller. India’s rivalry with Pakistan has been so intense that anything normal is perceived as boring. Since 2004, the two sides have met frequentlywhich has taken some of the gloss off these contests but India’s penultimate ball win in the Asia Cup here should in more ways than one reinstate the glorious tradition of needle contests between these two teams.
Tempers flared, veins popped, words were shared but at the end of the day both M.S. Dhoni and Shahid Afridi were gracious in accepting the result with dignity. “The loss in Johannesburg in the Champions Trophy was difficult to digest but this was not a revenge match. Every tournament is a fresh start. Yet, we would have not had it easy if the result had gone against us especially after having got this close,” said Dhoni.
A few tremors did affect the ebb and flow of good cricket and the incidents on the field brought back memories of more famous clashes between the cross-border rivals. “Incidents inside the ground should be left there and not discussed later,” said Dhoni. Indian team manager Ranjib Biswal confirmed that the matter was reviewed by ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, who had a chat with the players but took a lenient view saying the incidents happened at the heat of the moment.
Afridi agreed India played better and offered a practical view on the defeat. “Fans in the sub-continent should understand that winning and losing is a part of the game. I am happy for having put in a good effort. The boys tried their best. I could not have asked for more.
“Their bowlers did well in the middle overs and then Gautam Gambhir, Dhoni and towards the end Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina batted brilliantly. It was a good match to be a part of. India and Pakistan should resume playing at home as I have never enjoyed my cricket as I have done there.”
Pakistan have been finishing second in close games with regularity. Afridi, who leads a bunch of newcomers noted the team needed a few wins against quality opposition to turn things around. “We have been playing good cricket but our finishing has been poor. I am not happy with the performance of a few youngsters, but I am sure we will be able to get things going soon,” he said.
Dhoni missed a few tricks but the win shadowed those. The batting power play was not taken till the 44th over and it took some generous offerings from Pakistan to make the call look good. Afridi called the decision a good one and said he was not surprised that India took the power play late.
Conditions had a say in stretching the call, noted Dhoni. “Things did not go to plan. The batsmen should have finished the game in probably 47-48 overs. I got out rather strangely and Gautam Gambhir failed to read that particular delivery. Luckily Harbhajan finished it well. At the same time I don’t want to put pressure on Harbhajan by calling him an all-rounder. His job is to enjoy bowling and what he contributes with the bat is a bonus”
There were many positives for India but ground fielding continues to be a grey area.