The Hindu : Sport : Pathan to miss opener

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Tuesday, Jun 24, 2008
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Pathan to miss opener

Principal Correspondent

Karachi: Irfan Pathan will miss India’s match against Hong Kong here on Wednesday in the STAR Cricket Asia Cup tournament.

“Irfan has a side strain and we will rest him for our first match. The injury is not of much concern and he should be okay soon,” skipper M.S. Dhoni said in a press conference here on Monday evening.

Queried on India wresting the favourites tag ahead of the tournament, Dhoni was quick to correct the assumption and said: “It doesn’t really matter how many matches you won or lost in the past, it’s about going out and performing on that day. The Asia Cup is a prestigious tournament and we want to perform well. Every international game is important be it playing against Pakistan or Hong Kong.

“It’s a funny game, things can change quick so we won’t be experimenting in our match against Hong Kong.”

Pressure-factor

Dhoni also spoke about the slackening pressure-factor in matches between India and Pakistan.

“Before we used to play against each other once in fours years and the pressure was much more. Now we play more often and yes the pressure is there like any other international game but it is much less now,” Dhoni said.

To a pointed query on excess cricket shortening careers, Dhoni admitted, “I do believe that careers are becoming shorter. Its like machinery, you need your regular servicing and oiling and players need to have their share of rest. Yes long careers lasting 17 to 18 years may become difficult.”

Dhoni also triggered laughter when he was asked “Do you feel any pressure considering you have become a big brand and there is a lot of money involved?”. Dhoni smiled and said, “pressure is on my chartered accountant.”

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