Dhoni's return will boost India's chances: Gavaskar

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Mar 20 2014 | 9:28 PM IST
Former captain Sunil Gavaskar today backed India to go the distance in the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh, saying that the return of skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni would boost the team's chances.
Dhoni had skipped the recent Asia Cup due to injury and Gavaskar said Dhoni's return could change the fortunes of his side, as they take on arch-rivals Pakistan in the campaign opener at Mirpur tomorrow.
"Dhoni's return will change India. Yuvraj and Raina are also back. It's a plus-plus for India after Asia Cup," Gavaskar said.
Indian selectors also included Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina in the World Twenty20 squad. Both have shown signs of good form in the two warm-up matches India played in Bangladesh.
Having being placed in a tough group, alongside Pakistan, Australia and West Indies, Gavaskar stressed on the importance of starting with a win.
"Starting on a winning note is important. India is in a group of death and hence a win tomorrow will lift team's morale," Gavaskar told NDTV.
He said India should bank on experience against Pakistan and suggested the inclusion of leg-spinner Amit Mishra in the playing eleven.
"Three spinners and two new-ball bowlers is a good Indian combination versus Pakistan. Experience is needed and Stuart Binny will have to sit out," Gavaskar said.
"Amit Mishra is high on confidence after Asia Cup. Leg-spinners are not easy to score of. He will make a difference and can win a match," he said.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Mar 20 2014 | 9:28 PM IST

Next Story