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Experimenting is a word banned from Indian cricket: Dhoni

Source:PTI
February 13, 2016

IMAGE: India's captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni celebrates with Jasprit Bumrah during the second T20I against Sri Lanka in Ranchi. Photograph: PTI

After a series leveling win over Sri Lanka, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said the team will continue to experiment in the lead up to the World T20, to be held at home in March-April. 

- Scorecard

"Experimenting is a word banned from Indian cricket, but, yes, we're trying different things. Our top order has done well, so we're trying to give everyone an opportunity whenever possible," Dhoni said, when asked about experimentation in the games before the World T20.

Though India fielded an unchanged side, Dhoni sent Hardik Pandya in to bat ahead of himself and Yuvraj Singh besides giving Jasprit Bumrah the ball only in the 16th over of the innings.

It was a dry wicket here (Ranchi), much in contrast to the green deck in Pune. 

"Almost 200 runs were scored, but there was something for everyone. Overall, it was very good for us."

IMAGE: Shikhar Dhawan of India pose with his man of the match trophy after the second T20 against Sri Lanka in Ranchi. Photograph: BCCI

On his two stumpings and the team's fielding, he added: "Most of our fielders are above average. Sometimes in T20s, even the slower ones can get away. But, yes, fielding is very important. 

"Being a bit unorthodox behind the stumps really helps, but credit to the bowlers for beating the batsman." 

Shikhar Dhawan, who was named man of the match after scoring a maiden T20 International fifty, said: "Happy to have got my first T20I fifty. I was hitting the ball well.

"I like to play my natural game, I got a lot of support from the captain and the coaching staff.

"We didn't have any specific plan to hit 70 in the first six. Once I started connecting the ball well, it all came together."

Source: PTI
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