It goes without saying that the choc-a-bloc cricket calendar has taken its toll on players' fitness and also led to audience fatigue. This issue was once again highlighted by Indian captain MS Dhoni on Wednesday. While everyone at a media event here on Thursday seemed excited about the possible revival of Indo-Pak bilateral ties, Dhoni wondered how a series could be fitted in given the cramped schedule.
"It will be good if the Pakistan team comes here. At the same time, I am not sure where they (the administrators) will fit in. We are open to playing them," was Dhoni's reaction on Pakistan Cricket Board chief Zaka Ashraf's recent visit and his efforts to revive Indo-Pak cricket.
That aside, the Indian skipper, tongue firmly in cheek, made it clear how badly he needs the one and a half month's break. On being asked about his plans, Dhoni said: "We have played continuous cricket for three-four years now. I would not like the break to be cut down any further," Dhoni said and added that he would engage himself with his social commitments.
It has indeed been a long and tough year post World Cup for him with a series of disappointing results. Credit goes to him that he hasn't flinched during the period, hardly missing any game barring the Adelaide Test in January. It's apparent that it's his fitness and mental toughness that have helped him sustain the grind. Talking about his workload, Dhoni said: "Bulk of my workload is as a wicketkeeper. Keeping for 90 overs a day for such a long period isn't easy. Sometimes it becomes 190, specially in Sri Lanka. The reason I've been able to take the load is because I had started off training to become a footballer. That helped me develop strong legs."
Meanwhile, Dhoni, who was here for the launch of a sports gym, said he was surprised at Kevin Pietersen's retirement from the shorter formats of the game.
"It's surprising. This means he won't be a part of the T20 World Cup. While that is good news for a rival team's captain, I love his batting. One can't forget the impact he had in this year's IPL," Dhoni remarked.
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