The big news: Dhoni looks back to 2007
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has revealed that India’s debacle in the 2007 World Cup and the reaction the team received at home, played a big role in shaping his personality as a cricketer.
“At that point of time, when we landed, we had to get out in a police van. I was sitting next to Viru (Virender Sehwag) paaji. It was evening or night time," Dhoni said, during a press conference in New York. “And, you know, media cars around us with their cameras and the big lights on top, it felt as if we had committed a big crime, maybe like a murderer or terrorist or something. We were actually chased by them. That actually had a big impact on me and I channelised the aggression to become a better cricketer and a better human being."
India had crashed out of the group stage in 2007 World Cup in West Indies. They lost to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and beat only Bermuda. Dhoni's house, which was under construction in Ranchi back then, was pelted with stones owing to the disastrous performance by the team.
Other top stories
- Tamil Nadu’s Lakshmipathy Balaji has decided to retire from first-class cricket after taking 106 appearances in the longer format of the game. In a career spanning for 16 years, Balaji has taken 330 wickets and has represented India in eight Test matches.
- Former England player Graeme Hick has been appointed as the batting coach for the Australian cricket team. Hick’s first assignment will be the home Test series against South Africa in November and will be joining head coach Darren Lehmann, fielding coach Greg Blewett and bowling coach David Saker in the coaching unit.
- Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc underwent a surgery on his left shin after he collided with some training equipment during a practice session on Thursday. Starc has received around 30 stitches and will be in hospital for the next few days to minimise the use of the leg. He will use an extension brace for up to three weeks until his stitches are removed.
- India A were dismantled by some fine bowling by Australia A's seamers in the second unofficial Test at Brisbane. India were bowled out for 169 with Kane Richardson taking 4/37 and Jackson Bird taking 3/53. Australia A capitalized on their fine bowling ended the Day Two on 319/5 gaining a healthy lead of 150 runs.