Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni insisted on Monday his Champions Trophy squad was not distracted by the spot-fixing row back home. Dhoni, preparing for Tuesday's key Champions Trophy match at the Oval in London, said the entire squad were staying away from the ongoing controversy.
"We don't read newspapers, so whatever is happening back home is happening back home," he said. "We just practise and play to the best of our abilities. "Those are things in our control and helps to improve our game." Dhoni knows the bowlers will have to deliver against a line-up that includes match-winning batsmen like Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels and Kieron Pollard.
"The Gayle factor will always be there," the Indian captain said. "He is an individual who has a big impact on the game. It's always good to get him out early "With a new ball at either end, overcast conditions and a bit of help from the wicket, our fast bowlers will have a fair chance to get him. "If you don't get batsmen like Chris Gayle out early, most likely he will take you out of the game."
Dhoni said the Oval pitch was the same on which the West Indies lost eight wickets while trying to surpass Pakistan's 170, adding that the bowlers could dominate again. "It has a bit of a grass covering and there was bounce in the last game, so fast bowlers will get help," he said. "But since we are playing on a used wicket, the spinners could get some more turn."