With the IPL now done and dusted, the players’ focus shifts to the men’s T20 World Cup which is being played in UAE and Oman.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Indian captain Virat Kohli said that the team was delighted to have MS Dhoni in the dressing room.
The former India captain joins the team as a mentor after having led the Chennai Super Kings to a fourth IPL title on Friday. MSD’s CSK defeated KKR in the final.
"He has got massive experience. He is quite excited himself. He has always been a mentor for all of us. Younger guys who are playing their first major tournaments at early stages of career will benefit," Kohli said during the media session.
"His eye for intricate details and practical advice will help improve the game by one or two percent. Absolutely delighted to have him...(His) presence will not only boost morale but also increase confidence that we already have," he added.
Dhoni was India’s captain when they won T20 World Cup in 2007 and then the ODI World Cup in 2011 as well.
Asked about Rahul Dravid's appointment as the next head coach of the Indian team after Ravi Shastri's tenure ends, Kohli conceded he had no idea of the developments. "No idea exactly what's happening on the coaching front. No detailed discussion with anyone yet."
Talking about India's opening match in Super 12 against Pakistan on October 24 in Dubai, Kohli said that his approach for the high-octane clash will be like any other game. "I can talk from personal experience. Honestly never felt so. I have always approached this game like any other game. I know there is hype around this game, more so around with ticket sales and values of them are ridiculously high."
"I don't think we make anything extra out of it. For us, it is just about a game of cricket that has to be played in the right way. From fans point of view, the environment is loud from outside. From the players point of view, we approach it in a professional and normal way," concluded Kohli.
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