India in Sri Lanka 2008-09

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Relaxed Dhoni ready to impress in the only Twenty20 match vs SL India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni believes his side will make a smooth transition into Twenty20 mode for the one-off game against Sri Lanka, when he promises they will "play to the gallery". More... Relaxed Dhoni ready to impress 9 February 2009 Mahendra Singh Dhoni is keen to treat the crowd in the one-off Twenty20 clash India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni believes his players will make a smooth transition into Twenty20 mode for the one-off game against Sri Lanka in Colombo tomorrow. The match will be the first Twenty20 international in Sri Lanka and officials hope it will pull in the crowds, who had largely ignored the final matches of the lop-sided one-day series. Dhoni’s side dominated the 50-over contests, winning the first four matches comprehensively en route to a 4-1 series triumph, and he is looking forward to a relaxed outing tomorrow. “It won’t be difficult to switch modes," said Dhoni, who led India to success in the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa two years ago. “This isn't a Twenty20 series or a World Cup which we have to play seriously and win. This is about entertaining the crowd and playing to the gallery. “I hope a lot of people will come out to watch this game and we have a packed stadium.” India will be without batsman Sachin Tendulkar, who returned home last night. Tendulkar, who was rested for the final two ODIs, has played only one Twenty20 - in December 2006 - in national team colours. "Tendulkar is not part of the Twenty20 squad and has returned home," India team manager Prakash Dixit said. Dhoni also declared himself fit, having called for a runner during the final ODI yesterday. “It's not the knee, but a tendon behind the knee. But I think I'm okay,” he said. Sri Lanka's Twenty20 squad sports a vastly different look from that on duty in the one-day series. Tillakaratne Dilshan will captain the team in absence of Mahela Jayawardene, who sits out the match along with wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Sangakkara. The squad features fast bowler Lasith Malinga, who could play his first international game since a knee injury forced him out of action last February.

[cowboysfan]

dhoni should not be playing in this game-the risk is unacceptable.

[Sachinism]

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SLINGA!!!!!!!!!!!!! i excite!

:omg: can't wait to see him in action bad for us he's back, but oh well

[Holysmoke]

i so wish tendlya play in this game.. but i lost all hope that he will ever play a twenty20 for India' date=' after seeing him sit during that MCG 2020 last year[/quote'] You need to follow the Mumbai Indians for that....:winky: