Dhoni insists 2007 Bangladesh shock will have no impact

Mohammad Isam

Mirpur, Feb 18 (PTI) The shocking defeat againstBangladesh in the World Cup four years ago will not have anyimpact now, according to Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoniwho said the team will go into the tournament opener againstthe same opponents without any baggage of the past.

"Frankly, I have never thought about it, but we obviouslydon''t want a repeat," Dhoni said today.

Dhoni was a part of the Indian team led by Rahul Dravidand coached by Australian Greg Chappell, which suffered ahumiliating five-wicket defeat at the hands of Bangladesh intheir opening match that ultimately resulted in India''s ousterfrom the previous edition of the World Cup in the West Indies.

Admitting that this time the team is in a better frameof mind going into the cricket extravaganza, Dhoni saidthere was no extra pressure on the cricketers playing in thesub-continent.

"Being a co-host will always bring a lot of expectations.

But we do not get bogged down by expectations," said thewicketkeeper-batsman on the eve of the day-night clash at theSher-e-Bangla stadium.

"The important thing is to do the process right. Wealways look to put more emphasis on the process, rather thanon winning, and this is what has made us a successful team,"he added.

India certainly start as favourites tomorrow, having won20 of their last 22 one-dayers against the Tigers but Dhonirefused to write-off their opponents.

"Bangladesh is a good side with three very good left-armspinners. They rely a lot on spinners, especially in thesub-continent where slow bowlers get a lot of help," said theskipper of the number one Test team and number two side inone-day format. More PTI MI CM MRM