Dubai 8 September : India head coach Rahul Dravid said that the atmosphere in the team is a balanced one regardless of whether they lose or win the game.Thursday’s game against Afghanistan in Dubai will be India’s final game of Asia Cup 2022 and will be looking to exit from the tournament with a bang after being thrown out of the running for the final.India was the top team in the group A after winning games against Pakistan and Hong Kong, but lost both of their matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the Super Four stage.”You need to the game in perspective.We’ve were beaten in several of matches on a field, on an area that hasn’t been easy to defend.We were able to win the first game in Asia Cup, that does not mean that we are perfect.”
“Just because we’ve lost some of games does not mean that we’re a bad team.I think we don’t have to be overreacting with things.It’s a sane environment, no matter if we win or lose.We continue to follow the same track, and the journey is not over,” said Dravid ahead of the game.
When asked about his position in the present Indian team, Dravid explained, “I consider my role to be one of assistant to the captain as well as the team.In helping the team get the best of themselves.
Once they’re playing, it’s the responsibility of the captain and players to implement their plans and move the team in the right direction.I would say that Rohit is quite relaxed, and I think the entire team is.”
Afghanistan leg spinner Rashid Khan stated his team’s main focus is on doing well against a formidable opponent like India after losing a heartbreaking game against Pakistan just 18 hours ago.”We simply need to concentrate on the game today, and playing against a team of size like India.We must forget about the past, these difficult times will benefit us in the World Cup.Today we get a opportunity to take on a large team and play against huge players.”
Rashid insists he will be looking at picking wickets at crucial times against India.”I believe it’s all about getting wickets at crucial moments, when the captain requires wickets – that’s what I’m there to do.When a batsman is in trouble is in my hands.We scored the wickets (against Pakistan) last night by playing with the mindset of the batsmen.”
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