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Dhoni: Past doesn't count

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni refuses to bask in past glory and insists it will be a fresh start against New Zealand.
World champion in this slam-bang format, Dhoni's men have an edge over the hosts on paper but the Indian captain believes his teammates would have to start all over again.

"I believe every game is a new game," Dhoni said on the eve of the tour opener, adding "You have to start from scratch." Dhoni put tomorrow's match in perspective saying it would not set the tone for the remainder of the series.

"It is not like if you have won the first game it makes a huge difference for the entire tour. It is a 50-day tour and the team that will be victorious will be the one that plays good cricket for a consistent amount of time," Dhoni said.

"Seaming pitches could backfire"

Dhoni's team does not lack match-winners but the Indian captain said he wanted complete team effort where each and every player would chip in.

"Last year we did well as a team. The important thing is that we don't rely on one or two individuals. We have been performing as a team. In most games, you see that a lot of people have been contributing. Part-timers have done the job well with the ball. We have improved as a fielding unit as well, and that helps, too.

"We have the kind of players who can really win games on their own, but we are always looking for the whole team to perform. In theses conditions the batsmen could get out to a good ball and this is when you want the whole team to be at a level where each and everyone is performing. Whatever limited opportunity one gets, if he performs it helps the confidence of the whole team," said Dhoni.

Dhoni rated New Zealand as a competitive side and said, "They have a good bunch of players. They believe in contributing. They take pride in their fielding which is important in one-day cricket. They are a competitive side."