By IANS
New Delhi : India’s limited-overs cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni gave thumbs-up to his team for the exemplary conduct of its members during the troubled tour of Australia.
The three-month-long tour raised several questions about the on-field conduct of some players and the Australians’ win-at-any-cost attitude came in for severe criticism, especially after the controversial Sydney Test.
“It was a tough tour and the conduct of our players on and off the field was amazing. The players enjoyed the tour,” Dhoni said while speaking at the felicitation ceremony for the team at Ferozeshah Kotla here Thursday.
The tour reached a flashpoint during the ill-tempered Sydney Test, which saw gamesmanship and poor umpiring, forcing Test skipper Anil Kumble to say that “only one team was playing in the spirit of the game.”
Harbhajan Singh was accused of using racial slur against Andrew Symonds and the Australian media haunted the young Indian team right through the tri-series, highlighting every small incident.
It came to a point when Dhoni had to say that sledging is an art and the young India team will have to learn it.
“I am thrilled to see so many people here. This is the kind of motivation that the team needs. The team cannot do anything without the support of the fans. We will continue to entertain you and win matches,” Dhoni said to the roaring cheers of fans at the Kotla.
He also showered compliments on the Under-19 team for winning the World Cup.
“It was a fabulous showing. I would like them to enjoy their victory. We play sport to enjoy and it is very important for any team to enjoy the success.”
“The world has seen them (U-19 team) and they are future of the country,” said Dhoni, whose words must have brought joy to U-19 skpper Virat Kohli and Pradeep Sangwan, who were present on the dais.