After complaining about lack of runs from the top order, Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Tuesday lavished praise on his batsmen and said their thumping display in the seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka was one of the "most comprehensive ever".
"It was one of the most comprehensive performances by our batsmen ever," a beaming Dhoni said after the win which ensured the team a berth in the best of three tri-series finals against Australia.
It was a do or die match for the Indians and they came out with all cylinders firing to first restrict the islanders to 179 before overhauling the target in a mere 32.2 overs.
Dhoni was also all praise for his bowlers who once again came up with a clinical display. Ishant Sharma and rookie pacer Praveen Kumar picked four wickets apiece.
"It was quite a flat track but our bowlers bowled well once again. Praveen and Ishant did well. Overall it was a good performance," Dhoni said.
The skipper hoped that his attack would continue to be in fine form during the finals against Australia.
"Hopefully we would continue to do well in the finals and wickets would assist the bowlers even more," he said.
Dhoni then doubled up as a translator for man of the match Praveen Kumar during the presentation. The shy Meerut bowler could hardly go beyond the customary: "I am happy with my performance".
Praveen's family wanted him to take up wrestling but the rookie pacer chose cricket and learnt his craft through television and playing gully cricket.
"My parents wanted me to take up wrestling but I only wanted to play cricket. I learnt though TV and played on streets. My local coaches also helped me," he said.
"I am happy to give such a fine performance in a crucial match," he added.
Losing captain Mahela Jayawardene could not hide his disappointment at the dismal batting performance of his team.
"It was not a good day. We started pretty well but lost wickets in the middle overs. 250 would have been a good score here," he said.
"Our middle order has not been all that consistent and it is disappointing. We need to show a lot of character now and make sure that we rally around and play well in our last game [against Australia]," he added.
