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https://scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1734564/indias-dhoni-praises-bowlers-big-turnaround
Sport/ Other Sport

India's Dhoni praises bowlers for big turnaround

Skipper says they have transformed the side in the current Cricket World Cup

India captain MS Dhoni (right), with teammate Virat Kohli, is leading a revival after a poor test series against Australia in December and January. Photo: AP

Mahendra Singh Dhoni says his bowlers have brought about India's "remarkable difference" between a fruitless tour of Australia and the Cricket World Cup and are making him look good as a captain.

India were heavily beaten by Australia in a four-test series in December and January, and finished last behind Australia and England in a one-day tri-series going into the defence of their world title.

But India on Tuesday recorded their fifth victory in a row at the current World Cup with a thumping eight-wicket win over Ireland in Hamilton.

I feel that's where the remarkable difference has come from - the bowlers' end. They're very aware of the plans, and at the same time they're bowling to the field India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Chasing a modest 260-run target, Shikhar Dhawan notched his second century of the tournament with an 85-ball 100 as India lost only two wickets in 36.5 overs on a batting-friendly Seddon Park pitch.

India are already into the quarter-finals and guaranteed to finish top of pool B ahead of their last group game against Zimbabwe in Auckland on Saturday.

Ireland, meanwhile, will likely need a win against Pakistan in their last pool match in Adelaide on Sunday to reach the last eight.

Dhoni said a 10-day break had allowed India to freshen up before the World Cup, and the massive fan support they received in their opening match against Pakistan boosted their confidence and motivation.

But he said the greatest contribution to the transformation of India had come from the bowling attack.

India have bowled out their opponents in all five matches so far, and Dhoni said that had underpinned their success.

"I'm best when the bowlers are bowling well," he said. "It makes the job slightly easy for me because you have a plan. "I feel that's where the remarkable difference has come from - the bowlers' end. They're very aware of the plans, and at the same time they're bowling to the field. That's the big difference in our performance so far."

India's Shikhar Dhawan celebrates his second century of the Cricket World Cup during their comfortable pool B win over Ireland in Hamilton. Photo: AFP
India's Shikhar Dhawan celebrates his second century of the Cricket World Cup during their comfortable pool B win over Ireland in Hamilton. Photo: AFP
Dhoni said he did not feel that his decision to relinquish the test captaincy impacted on his leadership of the one-day side.

"I'm just the same," he said. "The things that have changed are the results.

"Apart from that, the players are the same, so I don't think that has anything to do with the test captaincy.

Dhoni praised India's ability to rally as a team after the "difficult" tour to Australia. "The moment you start thinking about participating in a World Cup the adrenaline starts flowing.

"Hopefully, we'll keep moving forward with the momentum we have."

Pakistan, Ireland and South Africa, who all have six points from five matches, will vie with the West Indies (four points) for the three remaining quarter-final spots on offer from pool B.

Associated Press, Agence France-Presse