I told boys that God helps only those who help themselves: MS Dhoni

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Edgbaston danced to the tune of Chak De and Lagaan's Chale Chalo as a sea of tri-colour celebrated India's thrilling ICC Champions Trophy win here on a damp Sunday. Like major golf tournaments, cricketers were presented with jackets as Team Dhoni partied in 'Mini India' well after the fans had left. (Match report: India vs England: ICC Champions Trophy 2013 - Report)

Dhoni revealed some 'classified dressing room secrets' after India managed to score 129 runs in their 20 overs. Captain Cool said he spurred his boys by telling them to play like world champions and defend a sub-par score in the rain-hit final against England. (aAlso Read: India vs England: ICC Champions Trophy 2013 - Statistical Highlights)

Addressing the media in a post-match chat here on Sunday, Dhoni revealed: "I told them not to look at the sky or the opposition. I told them that God helps those who help themselves and we had to play like the World's No. 1 side. I am happy we did that." (Match in pics)

India defended a modest score of 129 to outwit England by five runs in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy at Edgbaston in a rain-hit match that was ultimately decided by a T20 game.

"It is unfair to call it the final of the Champions Trophy. When the final of a 50-over game is decided by a T20 game, then some sheen is lost but this win means a lot. We played against the best teams in the world and to beat England in England is always good. I am happy that the team took the pressure well," Dhoni said. (Shikhar Dhawan named player of the tournament: Champions Trophy 2013)

Dhoni singled out praise for Man of the Match Ravindra Jadeja and the Champions Trophy's highest scorer, Shikhar Dhawan.

"Jadeja wants to keep things simple. He bowls a good line and lets the ball do the talking. He is batting well too and the No. 7 position he occupies is very important for the team," he said.

On Dhawan, the India skipper said: "He has taken forward his form from the Test series against Australia - Dhawan scored a century on debut - and after an injury, did well in the IPL. I am happy that he has contributed as an opener and that's another good sign for us." He however, refused to criticize Rohit Sharma for failing to convert good starts into bigger scores. "Rohit is talented and proved himself."

On a personal front, Dhoni said he was lucky that India won the T20 World Cup, the 50-over World Cup and the Champions Trophy under his captaincy. "I don't turn up in the ground to achieve anything special as a captain. It's important for India to win tournaments and my next focus is the tri-series in West Indies," he said.

source: ndtv.com

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