Latest update January 1st, 2025 1:00 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

We did not want to risk series win says Dhoni

Jul 11, 2011 Sports

By Sean Devers in Dominica
With a capacity crowd on hand and in glorious sunshine, India surprisingly opted to call off the contest with 86 required from 90 balls but Indian Skipper MS Dhoni said his side was not disappointed in the draw at Windsor Park yesterday.
No Indian team has ever won two Tests on 10 previous tours to the West Indies since 1953 and with 180 to get from at least 47 overs, India, leading the series 1-nil, were expected to press for the historic win.
But once Fidel Edwards struck with the first ball of the run-chase and Ravi Rampaul removed Murali Vijay and Suresh Raina to leave the score 86-3 the visitors, who have only won two Test matches in a series away from the sub continent on three occasions, aborted their victory hunt and settled for a draw.
West Indies Skipper Darren Sammy said he was surprised with India’s decision to call off the game but Dhoni explained that he did not want to risk a series win by going after the runs.
“We were risking a series win going after the target, we realised that it was not worth going for it after those wickets, we gave it a go but we are happy with the series win,” Dhoni said.
India have only won two series in the West Indies (1971 and 2006) but both were 1-nil wins and yesterday seemed the best opportunity for Dhoni to become the first Indian captain to win two Tests in a series in the Caribbean after the first Test triumph in Jamaica.
“Not disappointed about it. We did well in this game, they batted well actually, we are not disappointed in any way, Harbhajan was getting a bit of spin and bounce and he got valuable wickets, not much help for the fast bowlers, they did well. We were not sure about the wicket. If we go with a 2-2 combination and the track turns out to be flat, that can be a problem. We knew we had bowlers who could spin the ball if it started taking turn, like Raina,” Dhoni said.
India who begins their Test series in England with the first Test at Lords from July 21 were without several of their key players, including Sachin Tendulkar, for this tour and Dhoni, who along with VVS Laxman and Raul Dravid were the only seniors in the side, said the tour provided good exposure for the youngsters.

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Keevin Allicock – the next torchbearer for Guyanese professional boxing

Keevin Allicock – the next torchbearer for Guyanese professional...

Dec 31, 2024

By Rawle Toney Kaieteur Sports- In the rich tapestry of Guyanese sports, few names shine as brightly as Keevin Allicock. A prodigious talent with the rare blend of skill, charisma, and grit, Allicock...
Read More
Guyana Harpy Eagles begin Fitness Preparation for 2025 CWI Regional Four-Day Tournament

Guyana Harpy Eagles begin Fitness Preparation for...

Dec 31, 2024

The business end has arrived, a place in the final is at stake tomorrow night

The business end has arrived, a place in the...

Dec 31, 2024

Thirteen-year-old benefits from Project “Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana”

Thirteen-year-old benefits from Project...

Dec 31, 2024

Milerock stop Winners Connection 9-3 behind Drakes 5 goal spree, Botafago humble Capital Fc 8-3

Milerock stop Winners Connection 9-3 behind...

Dec 31, 2024

Dharry reigns supreme with second-round KO against Ramirez

Dharry reigns supreme with second-round KO...

Dec 30, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]