Colombo, July 25: With a blemishless captaincy record and the No. 1 Test ranking to guard, Mahendra Singh Dhoni looked ahead to the second Test with optimism. The hosts have had a few changes forced on them while Dhoni has no major concerns on that front. Given the relative balance of the two units, India should have their nose slightly ahead.
“You need to stick to basics, rather than thinking about the last game. The duration between two mistakes is also crucial,” said Dhoni after the final practice session here on Sunday.
The Lankan attack is depleted. But even with main strike bowlers Lasith Malinga and Muttiah Muralitharan missing, Dhoni did not see the team would have it easy. “Nothing is served up on a platter in international cricket. You may miss the most experienced bowlers but at the same time, there will be youngsters standing up to be counted.”
India’s record at this venue has not been good. It could boil down to the support Virender Sehwag receives.
The return of Ajantha Mendis could bring back some bad memories for the Indian top-order. It was the only series (minimum of three Tests) where Sachin Tendulkar failed to aggregate 100 runs. Mendis gnawed through the batting at an astonishing average of 18.38. Dhoni agreed the unconventional spinner was a resounding success then but that the Indians had figured him out after that series. “There is definitely more exposure. Most of our batsmen who are part of this side have played him in the past. That has helped them judge his variations better,” he said.