Dhoni: Change in conditions will be a factor
ndia ODI captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni knows that his team would have to quickly adapt to the conditions if they want to retain their World Cup crown.
India won cricket's biggest event on home soil in 2011, with skipper Dhoni memorably hitting the winning runs via a massive six.
Dhoni's team is in Australia to compete in an ODI tri-series involving the hosts and England. The series will serve as preparation for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand starting in mid-February.
The wicketkeeper said at the launch of the team's new ODI kit: "We would definitely like to repeat our performance from 2011. But the change in conditions will be a factor and we will have to play accordingly."
India's first match of the tri-series is against the hosts at the iconic MCG stadium, the same stadium that will be hosting the World Cup final, and Dhoni and his team would want to be there on that occasion at the end of March.
He said: "The Melbourne Cricket Ground is one of the best venues in world cricket, irrespective of the format. We will aim to do better than we have done in the ODI format over the last couple of years and hopefully we will be back to play the World Cup final on March 29,"
The 33 year-old refused to talk about his recent retirement from Test cricket, but says it that there is no greater honour than representing your country on the world stage.
Dhoni concluded: "Irrespective of what sport you play, it is always a blessing to represent India on the international stage. Cricket is a little tougher back home and only a few people get to wear these colours.
"So it is good to be here and donning this jersey again."
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