Fielding an area of concern: Dhoni
By IANSSaturday, February 19, 2011
DHAKA - India may have got off to a rousing start in the World Cup, crushing Bangladesh by 87 runs here Saturday, but skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is far from being satisfied and pointed at fielding as a “big” area of concern.
The Indians were sloppy on the field while defending their 370 for four and Dhoni made no bones in saying that they need to save atleast 5-10 runs while competing against the top sides.
“Fielding is a big area of concern for us. We need to save 5-10 runs and contribute some more on the field. While fielding, we have to save around 10 runs. All good sides will do that,” Dhoni said.
Dhoni, however, was happy the way India batted after losing two wickets in quick succession.
“When you have lost a couple of wickets, you need to stabilise, and it was nice to see Sehwag and Kohli do that. As a team we fight injuries, so it is good to have a long break before the next game.”
Man of the match Virender Sehwag, who smacked a blistering 175, was happy to win the “revenge” game. India had lost to Bangladesh in the previous edition.
“It was a good start for the team, I have said this is a revenge game and we have won. I have said before Bangladesh are not good in Tests, but they can compete in ODIs, and they showed it here. Hopefully, they will be able to do better in the tournament,” Sehwag said.
“I was looking to bat long, maybe get a 100 in 30 overs and then go on. Special thanks to my physio for helping me, I was carrying a couple of injuries and they got me ready for this game.”
Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan said while they could take positives from the batting, it is the bowling that let them down.
“We bowled too many bad balls, too many boundary balls. I thought the bowlers were rusty and did not execute the plans. It cost us the game. Virender Sehwag played a great innings and took the game away from us. Hopefully the bowlers will comeback in the next match,” Shakib said.
“There were many positives in the batting front. We batted sensibly and most of the top order batsman played cricketing shots. The crowd was superb.”