Dhoni: 'Indian cricket team one the fittest teams across sports'

Captain Virat Kohli also feels there is a drastic change in the way the game has been played in the last four years.

India captain Virat Kohli (C) and MS Dhoni run during a practice session ahead of the first ODI between India and Australia at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad.

M.S. Dhoni said the Indian team is on the right path in terms of preparations for the ICC World Cup 2019 to be held in England.

“It is a long and demanding schedule and all the players are up for the challenges ahead - gamewise and physically. In fact, I must say this Indian team is one of the fittest across all sports,” Dhoni said at a promotional event of the specially designed Nike gear here on Friday.

“Definitely, 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup triumphs mean a lot. What impresses me the most about this team is the consistency about which I am really proud off,” he said.

Indian cricketers Ajinkya Rahane, Jemimah Rodrigues, Virat Kohli, M.S. Dhoni, Prithvi Shaw and Harmanpreet Kaur pose in the team's new kit.

 

“We have a rich legacy to carry forward and hand it over to the next generation. This is a different side for sure and there is no question of feeling any pressure by way of expectations too,” Dhoni said.

Indian captain Virat Kohli feels there is a drastic change in the way the game has been played in the last four years.

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“I must say 2013 Champions Trophy triumph was the marker for all of us. Since then we started working really hard. And, like MS said, this is one of the fittest sides because fitness has become sort of a culture now,” he said.

“My message to the young kids is to chase excellence to earn the right to wear this jersey. There is lot of pride attached and it is not something one gets with one good performance in a season. You should have the obsession to help the team win,” Kohli said. “I remember the days when I got the first World Cup under-19 jersey. I didn’t ask for the number but I vividly remember the great feeling of wearing the national colours,” he said.

Indian women’s T-20 cricket captain Harmapreet Kaur says the team has been doing well and its goal is to win the the next World Cup. Indian batswoman Jemima Rodriges, Ajinkya Rahane and Prithvi Shaw were also present at the unveiling of the specially designed Nike gear.