It’s a chance to create history, says Dhoni

CAPE TOWN - India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said Saturday that the team is geared up for a historic series win in South Africa when they face the hosts in the third Test at the Newlands here Sunday.

During the last series in 2006-07, India were faced with a similar situation when the series was levelled at 1-1, but lost the series 1-2.

“It’s a chance to create history. We did that when we won the first Test in Johannesburg in (December) 2006 when we won in South Africa for the first time. We have the talent and the temperament to achieve success in South Africa, although I always say it’s not about the past, it’s all about the next five days.”

Dhoni felt this time the mood in the dressing room is much better.

“The good thing with this side is that we know why we can win a series in South Africa. The dressing room is much better now,” he said.

Dhoni doesn’t want to delve in the loss the team suffered here four years back and said that the present team is the best.

“It doesn’t mean that it was bad four years ago, but I can say this is the best dressing room that I have felt in the last five years. Most of the guys have achieved a lot in their long Test careers. They enjoy their cricket and they enjoy each and every practice session. It feels a very complete dressing room, a very happy dressing room. A lot of credit must go to everyone, including each and every one of the support staff,” he said.

Dhoni said South Africa would be under some pressure.

“They are feeling a bit of it because we are the home team and we won the last match,” he said.