Cricket

Countering Mendis is upto individual players: Dhoni

As he landed in Sri Lanka, Indian skipper MS Dhoni faced the enormity of the task that is battinga against Ajantha Mendis, and he began on a lighter note, when asked what plans he had to counter the mystery spinner.

“I’ll just ask Mahela Jayawardene if he will lend Mendis for a couple of practice sessions. If not, then…,” Dhoni said with a laugh.

“But seriously, we will have to deal with it in a personal way. We can watch 1000 videos of what he does, but it is up to the individual to play him on the turf. It depends on your frame of mind.”

India will be missing the services of Sachin Tendulkar who will be missing a third straight ODI series due to injury. Dhoni admitted that was a major blow, but put faith in the younger players.

“It’s not just his contribution with bat and the ball, but he comes up with brilliant suggestions and advice on the field. The impact he has in the dressing room is great. But cricket goes on. The youngsters will have to prove they are good enough. Whenever this scenario has happened in Indian cricket, somebody has accepted responsibility. Sri Lanka is one of the toughest places to play cricket. You don’t often get loads of runs when batting. It can be crucial.”

S. Badrinath has been chosen to replace Sachin while there is another youngster in the squad in the for of world cup winning under-19 captain Virat Kohli.

Tags: ajantha mendis, Idea Cup 2008, India, Mahela Jayawardene, MS Dhoni, S. Badrinath, sachin tendulkar, sri lanka, virat kohli