While the visitors may have had it easy in the Test series winning the four-match series against the West Indies 2-0, India’s limited-overs skipper MS Dhoni admits that the reigning World T20 champions are an altogether different proposition in the shortest format of the game. Featuring some of the most dangerous players in the T20 format, West Indies even got the better of the hosts during their triumphant 2016 World T20 run and Dhoni admits that the upcoming two-match series will be a challenging one.
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"I would say in limited overs format, the West Indies are extraordinary. They have the right balance, they are entertaining as well. It will be very interesting (the two-match series). It is an early morning start here but it won't make much of a difference," Dhoni said.
The Indian skipper, who will be making his return to cricket having enjoyed a nice break since the culmination of India’s short tour to Zimbabwe, said that time away from the game has helped his body repair itself from minor niggles as he concentrates his efforts on prolonging his international career.
"During this (break) time, fitness is quite easy to maintain. The reason is you have ample time to prepare. What becomes a slight issue is the cricketing aspect. There was a lot of rain back home in India so most of the schedule was indoor with a bit of bowling machine to go with it. There was not much outdoor activity. Anyway feels good to be back. Also, this year we won't be playing a lot of limited overs cricket so this gives us an opportunity to make the most of two days we have," said the wicket-keeper batsman.
"There is a time for everything. When you start playing, you want to play as much as you can irrespective of the location. That way it is difficult to maintain fitness and workload. But when you get a break, you can follow a proper schedule. It gives you ample time. I have put emphasis on my fitness to prolong my career," Dhoni added.
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The 35-year-old is also looking forward to working with India’s new head Anil Kumble having played under the legendary leg-spinner’s captaincy during his early days as a Test cricketer.
"I learnt a lot from Anil bhai, especially in Tests though I have also played with him in ODIs. The way he used to bowl to a batsman, how accurate he was, his consistency was amazing. Also, how clear he was in his thinking and game plan. All of that will help him as a coach,” Dhoni said.
“Modern day cricket is all about adjusting and that is something that Anil bhai did very well. Apart from that, he is a straightforward guy. The last couple of days with him has been interesting. The more time I spend with him, I get to know him even more as a coach," he added.
Dhoni sees huge potential for cricket in the USA
Describing the United States of America as a ‘special market’ for promoting cricket, Dhoni feels there is huge potential for the game to grow in the North American country and is certain that the expatriate population in the USA will give a huge boost to the growth of the game in the region.
"As fas as the effort is concerned, I always felt the USA was a big market, a lot of sub-continent people stay here, not only Indians. I feel it is a good start. The timings (broadcast) are also good. It feels good to be here. Earlier people living in the US used to travel to the West Indies to support us but now they have the opportunity to catch the action here itself," said Dhoni.
The skipper is also pleased with the facilities on offer at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium where the first T20 will be played on Saturday and believes the fans will enjoy the spectacle.
“As far as the facility is concerned, it is as good as you would get anywhere in the world. Yes, the stadium is not that big, though when it comes to the playing area it is a perfect ground," he said. "Also, what we have to see is that it is a new venture for cricket. Looking at everything, it is a perfect staging ground. Few of other international teams have already played here, also not to forget that some of the T20 leagues have happened.”
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