Negi credits 'Captain Cool' Dhoni for easing pressure on debut

Indian spinning all-rounder Pawan Negi, who made his first international appearance against the United Arab Emirates in the Asia Cup on Thursday, revealed that he overcame a nervous shaky start after receiving a sense of calm from skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

"Before walking out to the field, our captain MS Dhoni walked up to me and asked me not to think too much about the fact that I was making my debut. He asked me to relax and treat the game as a normal game and go about things normally," the 23-year-old told bcci.tv.

The left-arm spinner was negotiated with ease by the opposition before he overcame a jittery start by claiming his first international wicket in the 13th over of the match.

"But once I got a wicket, I got a lot of confidence," he said. "MS Dhoni came up to me and told me that I was bowling under pressure. He asked me to loosen up and bowl freely. That really boosted my confidence and I am glad I could get over that initial phase and comeback with a better show with the ball in the next two overs. A wicket on debut is huge for anyone and I felt really great."

India will play hosts Bangladesh in the summit clash of the Asia Cup on Sunday.