Sport - Cricket

Dhoni satisfied

Colombo: M.S. Dhoni, the Indian captain, said after Friday’s dead-rubber defeat that he was satisfied the side had won the crucial matches to clinch the series 3-2.

“I knew if it was locked 2-2 with the last match like a final and we lost, I’d hear the same, ‘You’ve lost 18 of the last 23 finals’ story, and that we would add to that reputation we carry,” he said. “So it was good to win the series with a game to spare.”

Dhoni said the side’s success in tackling Sri Lanka’s spin pair had helped India clinch a series in which the bowlers held sway. Did the positive approach, missing from the Test line-up, make a difference?

“I don’t know about that, but the thing with one-dayers is that you have to score. I thought we negotiated Murali quite well and I thought we handled Mendis pretty well too. The more we played him the better we got.”

Dhoni, who was adjudged the Man-of-the-Series for the runs he made under pressure, said his decision to miss the Tests had proven beneficial. “I was happy that I was enjoying the practice sessions again. When you feel like you want to go under the shade, that’s when you know your body needs rest.”

Mahela Jayawardene said the fact that his young side pulled one back was significant. What did he attribute the wild swings — large victories and defeats — to? “From our part, we have always fought even in defeat,” said the Sri Lankan captain. “The Indians tend to give up a bit early. We used to do that as well, it’s an easy thing to do, but that’s something we’ve worked with the young guys on.”

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