Mumbai, Apr 1 (ANI): Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni today said the team was not under any pressure of playing Saturday's final in front of the home crowd, and would give its best to lift the 2011 World Cup.
"You are in the moment. Yesterday, we had a good night sleep. You get up in the morning, come for the practice, and it's hardly now 14 or 20 hours before the start of the game. So, in a way, it's good. You are not thinking too much of the future," said Dhoni, while addressing a press conference ahead of Saturday's final clash.
"You are just being in the present, and preparing yourself for the big game because you want to do well in a tournament like this, and especially it's being held in India. You never know when you will get an opportunity to again play in the World Cup, and secondly, when the World Cup is being held in the subcontinent," he added.
Dhoni said that he felt proud of a team brimming with so many talented players, each of whom could be a match winner on his day.
"Well, irrespective of what the result is, I am really proud of the team that I have got. You know, each and every individual knows his role and responsibility. Everyone has helped each other perform and that's what is important as when you are part of team sport, when you are supported with 10 other people on the field and four others as your bench strength," said Dhoni.
"What you want is each and everyone to enjoy each other's success. So, I know it's the result that makes this team good. It's just that the team's atmosphere is really good. Each and every individual is very special, and you are dealing with, if not 15, 12 to 13 stars who have won games on their own. So, it's a very special side," he added.
Further praising master blaster Sachin Tendulkar, Dhoni said that the star cricketer was a god's gift for the team and the country, and added that his passion for the game has not changed since the past 21 years.
"He is an amazing person to have, I think the attitude has not changed for the last 21 years. You know, most of the people, I think, everyone will loose interest but with Sachin, I think, God just made him to play cricket and he is doing that since past 21 years and a few more years to come," he added.
The Indian skipper said pacer Ashish Nehra was unlikely to play due to multiple fractures on his finger, but added that opener Gautam Gambhir was all fit for the final clash.
"Gautam looks good right now. Ashish is most likely to be ruled out. He has got multiple fractures in one of the fingers so Gautam, most likely, I think is fit for the game," said Dhoni.
India kept the dreams of billions alive after sinking Pakistan by 29 runs in their World Cup semi-final on Wednesday to set up an all-Asian final against Sri Lanka.
The 1983 champions posted 260-9 and then returned to bowl out their neighbours for 231 in 49.5 overs to spark jubilant celebrations at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium.
Sri Lanka qualified for the ICC world cup finals beating New Zealand by five wickets in at the R. Premadasa stadium in Colombo on Tuesday.
Sri Lanka has played four one-dayers at Mumbai's Wankhede stadium, including a league match in this tournament against New Zealand. Out of those four, they have won two and lost two.
A total of 14 ODIs have been held at the Wankhede since the inaugural clash between India and Sri Lanka. (ANI)
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