India's Dhoni praises bowlers for big turnaround
Skipper says they have transformed the side in the current Cricket World Cup
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
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.