Nobody can replace Sachin Tendulkar: Dhoni

Dhoni hoped that his boys will not let the country down in the shorter version of the game against Sri Lanka starting August 18.

The experienced Indian Test team may have come a cropper in Sri Lanka but ODI captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni hoped that his boys will not let the country down in the shorter version of the game against the island nation starting August 18.

“It is a different side. We hope to do better,” Dhoni said after winding up a two-day skill orientation and conditioning camp at the National Cricket Academy.

The team would focus on spin and fast bowling in the upcoming five ODIs against Sri Lanka, he said.

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“Some pitches in Sri Lanka help spinners and in some others fast bowlers do well,” said the Indian captain who leaves for Sri Lanka on Wednesday.

Dhoni, who has recently been chosen for the Rajiv Khel Ratna award, refused to share the team’s plans against mystery Sri Lankan leg spinner Ajantha Mendis, who played a big role in his country’s 2-1 Test series win against India.

“Let us see,” he replied, when asked what the team would do to keep the young Lankan at bay.

Dhoni said the camp, also attended by six of his teammates, focused on bowling, batting and conditioning aspects.

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On Tendulkar being ruled out of the ODI series, Dhoni said, “We will certainly miss him. Nobody can replace Sachin Tendulkar.”

Tendulkar opted out of the ODI series after injuring his left elbow during the third Test while attempting to take a catch to dismiss Chaminda Vaas.