London, Monday 01 June 2009: India’s captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni predicted on Sunday that spinners would play a significant role in the ICC World Twenty20 opening at Lord’s this week.

Slow bowling has proved surprisingly successful in Twenty20 competitions throughout the world, including the two seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Dhoni, whose team defends the trophy it won at the inaugural edition in South Africa two years ago, said he believed ground staff would prepare pitches in favour of the batsmen.

“The organisers want really exciting cricket,” Dhoni told a captains’ news conference at Lord’s. “I think there will be flat tracks and spinners will play an important role.”

Dhoni rejected suggestions that the Indian team would be tired and find it difficult to concentrate after a packed IPL season.

“When you are playing for your country the motivation level is high,” he said. “It’s a cruel game, the moment you relax, that’s the biggest mistake.”

And asked about how the team had developed, Dhoni joked: “I’ve got quite a few grey hairs. That’s one change. The plus point is that in the last three years there have been fewer changes in the side.

“The individuals involved have played 80 to 90 One-Day Internationals, helps me personally. I can pick ideas according to the situation.
“The fielding has evolved compared to what it was. We have raised the bar.”

He confirmed pace bowler Zaheer Khan was still not fully fit after sustaining a shoulder injury in the IPL.

Left-armer Zaheer, India’s leading bowler over the past two seasons, is expected to be available for the second group game.
Meanwhile, the Indian team trained for two hours at Lord’s on Sunday.