Asia Cup 2016: Key quotes from Mahendra Singh Dhoni's pre-departure press conference

New Delhi: MS Dhoni caused quite a flutter on Sunday in Kolkata when he addressed a media conference before leaving for the Asia Cup in Bangladesh.

The Men in Blue will play the hosts in the opener on February 24 and are clear favorites to go all the way in the tournament.

The usually unflappable skipper lost his cool when asked about his retirement for the umpteenth time.

Apart from that there were several things reporters wanted to know from Team India's skipper.

The list questions included everything from Mohammed Shami's injury to Dhoni's captaincy.

Here is a complete recap of what Mahi said before flying out for the all-important Asia Cup.

On retirement

If I say something one month or 15 days back, the answer does not change. It's irrespective of where I'm asking. The answer remains the same. It's as simple as what is your name and I will say MS Dhoni. It will remain the same for a considerable period of time unless you give me a new format.

On media

There will be questions, you send me letters or requisitions. If you have the freedom, it's not right to ask all types of questions. It's very important to judge everything as to what needs to be done, why it needs to be done. Because somebody has the platform to ask questions, it does not mean that you keep on asking the same questions. It's a world today where everything is covered by media.

Anything happens questions are raised in India. If we win the World T20 very comfortably, than questions will be asked whether we have peaked too early. If we lose the final, then we will be asked whether we will be able to take the pressure of a final.

If we don't qualify then there will be questions whether we're good enough to handle pressure at home. I don't think I cannot really stop people from asking the questions. If better questions are raised, I will answer 100 per cent for sure.

On team's preparation

The good thing is we played three games in Australia, yes the conditions were very different in Australia, then we played in Sri Lanka. It gave us the time to settle into the format. You've to take the price tag away from the wicket.

It's always easier to switch from T20 to Test format than from Test to T20. It's good for us that we are getting these number of games. We can try a few things. It's the same format.

Often you don't get too many games before the World T20 so it's good to have some games to get into the groove.

On Asia Cup

We will try to give everybody a game. It's something that is as important as to play as a settled team. It's important to give everyone a game under their belt but we will look to win the games and that's our top priority.

"I feel the conditions will allow us to give others opportunity. From the team's perspective, it's important to make sure you keep repeating your performances and do well for the team and enjoy the team.

I've the belief and talent required to win a big tournament. This team has all the ingredients. It's important to keep everyone fit. If everybody gets a chance to play it will be very good for us. Ultimately you have to go and do well on the field that's what it is all about. In this format you have to keep the big hitters away.

On his captaincy

I'm 100 per cent the same. There's no changes in views and tactics. It's definitely the same.

On Mohammed Shami

You have to keep in mind that you announce the XV one month in advance unlike in a bilateral series. He has been one bowler who has bowled well both with the new ball and at the death also. At least if he's fit the attack looks even better. That's the reason he's in the side. But in any case you have a replacement option.

On Brendon McCullum

I have not seen his knock but I think I've seen enough of his knocks. He's a fantastic cricketer. He's played a lot of Tests and ODIs. Right from the very first ball he entertains. Hope he does well, really well after Test cricket. I was fortunate to share the dressing room with him. 

Team India will be bolstered by the return of vice captain Virat Kohli who was rested during the 2-1 series win over Sri Lanka.

Enroute Dhaka with legendary company, @msdhoni and @YUVSTRONG12 pic.twitter.com/TAwK6Ex2fB — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) February 21, 2016