USA is a "special" market for cricket: MS Dhoni

The upcoming T20 series between West Indies and India scheduled to be played at Florida has been very keenly looked forward by cricket fans and administrators and experts. ICC and major cricket boards have been long trying to expand the game and take it to unmapped territories and the plan to host games in the USA is a huge step forward.

India’s limited overs skipper MS Dhoni, on the eve of India’s first international match on American soil, also stated the same, describing USA as a “special” market for cricket.

USA is a “special” market for cricket and there is no reason why the game can’t be successful here, asserted captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on the eve of India’s first international match on American soil.

“As far as the facility is concerned, it is as good as you would get anywhere in the world. Yes, the stadium is not that big, though when it comes to the playing area it is a perfect ground,” said Dhoni today ahead of first of two T20I between India and the West Indies at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium on Saturday.

Dhoni feels that there will be a huge crowd support for his team considering the fact that USA has a huge Asian population residing there, especially Indians.

“Also, what we have to see is that it is a new venture for cricket. Looking at everything, it is a perfect staging ground. Few of other international teams have already played here, also not to forget that some of the T20 leagues have happened. The infrastructure looks good. Overall it is a big occasion. Stepping into the USA for the first time as the Indian cricket team.

“As far as effort is concerned, I always felt the USA was big market, a lot of sub-continent people stay here, not only Indians. I feel it is a good start. The timings (broadcast) are also good. It feels good to be here. Earlier, people living in US used to travel to the West Indies to support us but now they have the opportunity to catch the action here itself,” said Dhoni, who is expecting a bigger crowd support for his team than the West Indies.

India pocketed the 4-match Test series without any fuss by a 2-0 margin. However, logically speaking the win came against a weaker Windies side. However, with the return of their superstars, the West Indies T20 squad looks full-strength and very tough to beat.

“I would say in limited overs format, the West Indies are extraordinary. They have the right balance, they are entertaining as well. It will be very interesting (the two match series). It is an early morning start here but it won’t make much of a difference,” said the skipper.

Dhoni, who is now retired from the Test cricket, last played in India’s tour of Zimbabwe three months ago. Dhoni said that playing only in the limited overs format has helped him focus more on his fitness.

“During this (break) time, fitness is quite easy to maintain. The reason is you have ample time to prepare. What becomes a slight issue is the cricketing aspect. There was a lot of rain back home in India so most of the schedule was indoor with a bit of bowling machine to go with it. There was not much outdoor activity. Anyway feels good to be back.”

“There is a time for everything. When you start playing, you want to play as much as you can irrespective of the location. That way it is difficult to maintain fitness and workload. But when you get a break, you can follow a proper schedule. It gives you ample time. I have put emphasis on my fitness to prolong my career,” Dhoni added.

He is also looking forward to working with Anil Kumble the coach, having played alongside him in the past.

“I learnt a lot from Anil Bhai, especially in Tests though I have also played with him in ODIS. The way he used to bowl to a batsman, how accurate he was, his consistency was amazing. Also, how clear he was in his thinking and game plan.

“All of that will help him as a coach. Modern day cricket is all about adjusting and that is something that Anil bhai did very well. Apart from that, he is a straightforward guy. The last couple of days with him has been interesting. The more time I spend with him, I get to know him even more as a coach,” Dhoni added.