Nagpur: India were bundled for 79 in 18.1 overs, their second lowest against New Zealand in the ICC World T20 Super 10 opener on Tuesday in front of a sold out Jamtha stadium. With the 47-run loss, the hosts have registered a net run-rate of -2.350 and Dhoni admitted that although loss was a good wake up call, the margin of defeat could have been smaller.
“I have always said not to take anything for granted. It becomes really difficult. We can realise how we are supposed to bat. Wickets are different everywhere. You have to assess, adapt and how quickly you read the wicket will be important. However, if the margin of defeat was smaller then it would have been better for us. It’s important that we win our coming matches but what is also important is how we win those matches and by what margin,” Dhoni said.
India will next face arch-nemesis Pakistan at the Eden Gardens on Saturday. However, the skipper didn’t approve the Kolkata clash would be added pressure on the team.
“Once you lose the first game all the other matches are do-or-die situations because you can’t afford to lose anymore. Even if lose another match by mistake then we are out of the tournament. Hopefully the upcoming matches will bring the best out of us,” Dhoni said.
“We have been in such situations before and there is no match that we have played when there is no pressure. Pressure is part and parcel of Indian cricket and we will cope with it,” he added. The skipper has full faith the team will make a comeback in the forthcoming matches.
“What’s important is how to turn around and come back strong. I feel this team has done it plenty of times, right from the last World Cup we played. It’s something that the team has shown, this character of coming back after a bad defeat,” asserted Dhoni.
