Harbhajan set to play as Dhoni looks at changed line-up for UAE match
After securing their place in the Asia Cup final with a win over Sri Lanka, India skipper MS Dhoni laid out his intention to make a few changes for the match against UAE on Thursday. Dhoni also praised the performances of Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh in India’s five-wicket win yesterday.
Harbhajan Singh, Pawan Negi and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have been warming the benches for the last six T20 games and are all set to enter the playing XI on Thursday against UAE (United Arab Emirates) after Dhoni confirmed that the team will make a few changes in the upcoming games.
"We'll definitely make a few changes in the coming games. How many (is) something we will see. Because we still want the strength and the composition of the side to be very good. I think most of the players will definitely get a chance in the next game. Whether all the people who are sitting outside will get a chance, we're not sure. But we will try to make as many changes as possible," Dhoni said in the post-match press conference.
Rahane and Parthiv Patel are also in the fray for an appearance against UAE with openers Rohit Sharma (toe), Dhawan (heel) and Dhoni (back spasm) suffering injuries during the course of the tournament.
"There are two-three (injuries). But these are sports-related injuries. Someone was hit by the ball or there is a twist during the practice. The kind of injuries that will become a problem is when someone tears a hamstring. Because with those type of injuries, what happens is you are ruled out of the entire tournament. If it's small injuries then there are back-ups for everyone. There are 15 members in the squad so we can manage," the Indian skipper said.
The 34-year also showered praise on Virat Kohli, who scored 56 off 47 balls, in the five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka.
“Right from the start, he was always someone who wanted to contribute more. Over the years, he has turned into somebody who reads the game very well. Who to target, when to target... That is something very important. All of us have our own strengths. But it is very important to back your strength and not to venture out into areas that are not your strength. Overall he's looking like a much more matured cricketer. He's someone who puts in a lot of effort in training. He's very fit. All of that really contributes. Overall, he's been just fantastic for the side," Dhoni said when asked about Kohli’s performance.
Yuvraj Singh, who was struggling in the tournament after some poor knocks with the bat, looked in full swagger against Sri Lanka smashing 31 off 18 balls, including two maximums. Dhoni said that with the left-hander spending more time at the crease, he expects him to get better when the World T20 arrives.
"As far as Yuvi's batting is concerned, I have already told that the more time he gets, the better for him. The reason being when you return to international cricket then there is a lot of pressure from yourself, there are people's expectations as well. Then the first few matches go out in just figuring out what to do. Whether you want to go out and play the big shot. The minus being that if you don't do well in the first couple of innings then there is more pressure on yourself. So I felt that his approach has always been very good. He gives himself two or three balls before playing the big shot.
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