World Cup squad is more or less finalised, but there is one slot still vacant, says skipper MS Dhoni. The selectors will be watching today's ODI very closely
World Cup squad is more or less finalised, but there is one slot still vacant, says skipper MS Dhoni. The selectors will be watching today's ODI very closelyAll eyes are on India's 15-man World Cup squad, which is to be finalised on Monday. Today's one-day international against South Africa is the last opportunity for players to make an impact on selectors and collect a last-minute ticket to the extravaganza that gets underway next month. However, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has stated that individual performances here at Wanderers will have no bearing on the final squad, despite it being a high stakes encounter against a top-class outfit.
MS Dhoni"One performance doesn't matter when you select a World Cup squad. There are guys who have worked really hard over the last 18 months, and they are the ones who will get a chance. We will try to feature the best XI (for today's ODI) but it won't have any bearing on the World Cup squad," Dhoni said before the team's workout yesterday.
Dhoni, however, didn't rule out the fact that a few places were still up for grabs: "I would say one spot is still there to be filled. We can still experiment here and there but the main playing XI for the event is mostly sealed. We must also realise that playing here (in South Africa) is completely different to playing at home. There's no guarantee a player will do well at the World Cup if he does well here ufffd they are contrasting conditions," he said.
With the forecast not looking good for the next three days, Dhoni admitted that the toss could play a crucial role just like it did in the first one-dayer at Durban. "There is rain forecasted till Tuesday, so a few plans could change. There are no long-term strategies for this game. The toss always becomes crucial in curtailed matches. We would love to chase if the game is curtailed to a 20-30 over affair. It could come down to that," he added.
Dhoni conceded that his top-order batsmen went into a shell during the humiliating 135-run defeat on Thursday. "We can't look to survive if there is bounce in the surface. Even here there will be assistance for faster bowlers. We must remain positive, respect bowlers but put the bad balls away. Otherwise, we will struggle again," said Dhoni.
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Meanwhile, South Africa's batting consultant, Duncan Fletcher said that his team would be underestimating India at their own peril. "If you look at the Indian side, there are lots of youngsters. But the irony is that most of these young players are pretty experienced. We cannot be complacent. It is hard to predict which of them could turn out and take the game away from us," said the former England coach and Zimbabwe batsman.
Fletcher said it was a good opportunity for the inexperienced all-rounders in his side to fill into the shoes of the injured Jacques Kallis. "Without Kallis there are some youngsters who are vying to do well. They have the ability; it is about gaining more experience. With Kallis coming back in the team for the World Cup, we will have a better balance. South Africa have a great chance at the World Cup," he said.
