We misread the pitch,admits skipper Dhoni

“We misread the wicket. It was not a normal Mohali track. It usually does not help the spinner,but it did today. Our spinners really bowled very well and that really put pressure on them,” Dhoni said at the post-match press conference.

“Pakistan players play spin very well,that is why thought to go with a 3-2 combination. We felt it was a safer option,since we have part-timers such as Sachin (Tendulkar),virat (Kohli) and Raina.”

On the clash against co-hosts Sri Lanka in the final,Dhoni said it will be a keen contest as they have a good and balanced side.

“The Sri Lankans have a good side and they have done really well in the tournament. We have to play good cricket to beat them. We have to be at our best,” he said.

On how he planned to motivate his team for the summit showdown,Dhoni said “You do not need to motivate,it is not required when you are representing your country. We are playing the World Cup and we all want to win it.”

Dhoni said that the spirit and unity displayed by his team has been one of the highlights of the tournament. “The team unity has been one of the highlights. We are backing each other and that really counts,” he said.

On Nehra’s wonderful performance in the match,Dhoni said he selects the playing XI considering the pitch conditions and it was great to see Nehra justify his selection.

“He was criticised for his performance the last time he played,so it was a good comeback. Being criticised is part and parcel of a cricketer’s life,” he said.

Harbhajan Singh has not been at his peak form right through the tourament but Dhoni defended the off spinner saying every cricketer goes through a lean patch.

Asked whether the team management would consider re-drawing their strategy considering Harbhajan’s poor form,the Indian captain said “We have done well with bits and pieces contributions from everyone. We will manage in the final also.”