World T20: Team India has plenty to smile about

Skipper MS Dhoni addressed the media after the team's seven-wicket win over West Indies on Sunday, he stressed how keeping things in perspective is the key in, both, victory and defeat. (AP Photo)

DHAKA: While Tuesday could turn out to be a distressing day for India skipper MS Dhoni and owners of IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings if the Supreme Court pronounces an adverse verdict in the IPL spot-fixing scandal, the performance of the Indian team in the ICC World T20 has given the captain enough reasons to smile.

After a couple of difficult months in South Africa and New Zealand, India have got back to winning ways. Convincing wins over tough opponents like Pakistan and West Indies mean they are on the right track for greater exploits in the tournament.

When a pleased-looking Dhoni addressed the media after the team's seven-wicket win over West Indies on Sunday, he stressed how keeping things in perspective is the key in, both, victory and defeat. "I smile even when we lose," he quipped. "Cricket is a big part of our lives; but it is not the only life we lead."

Before this event began, serious questions were raised over India's ability to stop rampaging batsmen on flat wickets here. The bowling, though, has been a revelation. The spinners, led by Amit Mishra, have proved to be a handful.

Dhoni, who has suffered many a sleepless night mulling over his bowlers' incompetence, should sleep better now. "I am really happy with the way they have performed. There is a bit of help for them, but you need to execute your plans well, especially in this format. You will have a couple of big hitters in the opposition and you have to carefully plan to get them out. I am happy that our spinners, along with part-timers and fast bowlers, have done really well."

Mishra, in particular has been impressive, winning the Man of the Match awards in both the games, and showing the willingness to flight the ball and look for wickets. The Haryana leggie credited the skipper for his show and said Dhoni's tips helped him bowl better.

So what did the skipper tell him?

"He was feeling a bit of nerves against Pakistan," said Dhoni. "I went up to him and told him, 'You are known to turn the ball, flight it and vary pace. Don't just try to bowl the straighter one. Try to bowl back of a length so that the batsmen can't hit.' I told him his biggest strength is deceiving batsmen in the air.

"Before the Pakistan game, I knew he was not bowling at his 100%. I knew that the man of the match award will ease him and his performance will get better. He bowled well against Gayle and used the odd variations. There will be days when, like others, he too may get hit, but it's important that he backs his strength."

India enjoyed a well-deserved day off on Monday but they do have a few issues to think about before the clash against hosts Bangladesh.

'Bit of pressure on Yuvraj'

The form of their biggest match-winner in T20 cricket, Yuvraj Singh, is a matter of concern. Dhoni agreed that Yuvraj wasn't in great form but talked about the 'X' factor Yuvraj brings to the table.

"He is one of the best players of T20, but he is not in good touch right now. It becomes tough when you are dropped from ODIs and you have to make a comeback in T20s. There's a bit of pressure on him."

Right now, though, the only ones that should feel the pressure are India's opponents
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