Sledging Is An Art : MSD

[Zakhmi]

Indian ODI skipper M.S. Dhoni's views on some contentious issues-from sledging to Tendulkar to dropping Sehwag

On sledging: Clearly, the Australians are targeting certain players in our team, those who they think are likely to be provoked. And if you get provoked, then there are ways in which you can reply. So, you have to be careful about it. We have youngsters in the side who will learn this art. Sledging is an art. You have to be good at it. Cricket can never be friendly. There will always be aggression on the field, but as long as nobody crosses the line, then it’s fair. More: http://www.outlookindia.com/full.asp?fodname=20080310&fname=Dhoni+%28F%29&sid=2

[Zakhmi]

No Slips In Place Intriguingly, Symonds apparently told an Australian newspaper that he was only complimenting Ishant—for bowling him out! A senior Indian player says what Symonds said was far from a compliment: "Symonds had said 'f*** off' to Ishant, who reacted." Boys such as Ishant need Dhoni at the helm, to guide them through the "art of sledging". http://www.outlookindia.com/full.asp?fodname=20080310&fname=Dhoni+%28F%29&sid=1

[Sachinism]

symonds has no credibility

[Zakhmi]

Dhoni keeps the focus on cricket

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is proud that his young team has reached the finals of the tournament given the scepticism that greeted the squad's announcement. And, as at the World Twenty20 in South Africa last year, he has asked his players not to worry about the end result. "Winning is important, but winning is not everything," Dhoni said on the eve of the finals when asked if lifting the trophy would be a fitting answer to those who questioned his decision to back youth over experience. Then, his voice more animated, he added: "Those doubting this young side when we came in should now analyse how good this side has been from the previous teams that played in Australia. They should analyse the capabilities of the youngsters, how good they are at the international level." Dhoni has led by example - India wouldn't have reached this stage without his rescue acts with the bat and his assured captaincy - but believes the team has been improving since the crushing defeat in the Twenty20 game against Australia. "From then, this team, after the eight ODIs, has shaped up very well. The bowling, batting and running are improving but it can be better still." While providing a word of caution to his team - "It doesn't matter if it's the finals or the semis, we have to get the basics right" - Dhoni emphasised the need to keep things in perspective. "Sometimes we are desperate to win and that's when the pressure mounts, so it's important to be relaxed." That mantra worked for Dhoni when he led an unfancied and inexperienced side to victory at the World Twenty20. They faced some tough situations during the campaign but managed to stay focused, hold their nerve and emerge victorious. The key was Dhoni's leadership. Dhoni knows the finals will not be easy, especially given the controversies in the lead-up, like the Ishant Sharma-Andrew Symonds incident and Matthew Hayden being reprimanded for his remarks on Harbhajan Singh, that have distracted both teams. Dhoni says he doesn't mind the aggression but his primary focus will always be cricket. "Throughout the series many things have been said about individuals but we have still gone on to play good cricket. Cricket is about batting, bowling and fielding. The verbal part remains but we should focus on our cricket." http://content-gulf.cricinfo.com/cbs/content/story/340481.html

[coffee_rules]

Mujra shot.

[Predator_05]

Dude, stop posting so many articles.