Confident MS Dhoni says Indian team is in auto-pilot mode

After back-to-back series wins, India will start as favourites in Asia Cup and World T20.

Confident MS Dhoni says Indian team is in auto-pilot mode

New Delhi: Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Friday claimed that the current Indian team is "in auto-pilot mode" ahead of the twin T20 tournaments – Asia Cup and World Twenty20.

The 34-year-old was referring to the recent triumphs against Australia and Sri Lanka, which India won 3-0 and 2-1 respectively Down Under and at home.

"We have played T20s in Australia and the at home in recent times. The team is doing well. So, you can say that the team is in auto-pilot mode," he said.

But the skipper was shared his concerns, for possible injuries and drop of form.

"Injuries have to be kept at bay. If every player is fit, and every player is in form then it is good for the team," he added.

Interestingly, pace bowler Mohammed Shami was today ruled out of the Asia Cup and his chances of playing in the T20 World Cup currently looks slim.

He wasn't a part of the playing XIs in either of the series, but losing an experienced player like Shami will be difficult for the team.

However, the Indian camp seemed to have found two new brave hearts in Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah. Both the youngsters have performed well so far.

The skipper then stated the fact, praising the bowling unit.

"As far as T20 is concerned, our bowling has been very good. And at the same time, if you compare it with 50 overs it becomes a bit different. Because in 20 overs you know after one or two balls, batsman will want to go for a big shot, they will play aggressive cricket so you can play around with that," Dhoni asserted.

He also compared between the two limited overs' sides when it comes to bowling attack - the bowling in the death, et al. And the skipper is confident that India have a better T20 side.

"Sometimes in the 50-over format, we talk about building pressure and when playing outside India, if you don't get wickets in middle overs, the pressure builds up, especially on the spinners and then on the fast bowlers in the slog overs.

"So that way, we can say that we are not very consistent in death bowling in the 50 overs. In T20, we are looking very good as of now. The consistency is there for all to see be in death bowling or the first six overs in India or outside. The bowling attack, overall, is pretty balanced," Dhoni said on the sidelines of a launch," Dhoni surmised.

(With PTI inputs)