Adapting quickly the key in New Zealand: Dhoni
Posted on Feb 20, 2009 at 13:41 | Updated Feb 23, 2009 at 14:06
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Christchurch: India's recent success against top sides like Australia notwithstanding, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Friday said his team does not start favourite against New Zealand although it is better prepared to handle the seaming conditions they may face during the tour.
"It's not about what is going around in the media or who is considered favourite. You start from scratch when you go out in the middle. Whatever we have been doing in the past one year we have to do again. It doesn't really change," Dhoni said after the team's arrival.
Dhoni said his team, which plays two Twenty20 matches, a five-ODI series followed by three Tests during the 48-day tour, will have to adapt quickly as it prepares to take on a team that is dangerous as a unit. India have not won a Test series in New Zealand for the past 41 years.
"For me the New Zealand team is more about what they are as a unit, not individuals. That's their asset. They play well as a team. They back each other. They are a competitive side. It will be a good tour if the weather doesn't spoil it," said Dhoni.
The Indians were welcomed by rain after their 27-hour, bone-weary travel from Mumbai to Christchurch, prolonged by two transit layovers at Hong Kong (four hours) and Auckland (three hours).
Dhoni said the ODI series triumph against Sri Lanka will stand the Indians in good stead, just as the Kiwis would benefit from the drawn ODI series against Australia.
"It really helps to have tough, competitive cricket under the belt before a big series. You learn a lot. It's not always just about winning or losing. We put a lot of emphasis on the effort we give on the field and believe a lot in the process. The series against Australia will help the New Zealanders. In the same way, playing in tough conditions in Sri Lanka helped us," he said.
The 27-year-old captain said the youngsters will have to adapt quickly if the team has to perform to its potential.
"It's important to practice well and adapt quickly. The next few days will be important. Most of the guys haven't toured New Zealand before.
"The conditions are very different out here. We now have more fire-power to exploit the conditions, whether they are seaming conditions or a batting paradise. The first seven days will be important," he said.
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