Batting icon Sachin Tendulkar retires at the end of the two-match Test series against West Indies

Batting icon Sachin Tendulkar retires at the end of the two-match Test series against West Indies

AFP

Kolkata: India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni today said the team was trying to focus on the cricket despite the frenzy around Sachin Tendulkar's 199th Test match in his farewell series against the West Indies starting here tomorrow.

He said the team was trying to keep distractions to minimum.

"It's something that was expected. It's always good to know such things in advance so that you can mentally prepare well. We have tried best to keep ourselves away from distractions and focus on cricket. So far so good. Once the game starts, I don't think the team is entertaining anyone. I think we are sorted," Dhoni told reporters at the pre-match press conference.

Dhoni said nothing has changed, neither the preparation nor the mind-set, ever since the senior most cricketer announced his retirement from the international arena.

"As far as the last few days are concerned, it looked absolutely normal how we played the ODI series or the last series. The dressing room atmosphere is exactly the same. In a way, the guys have done well to maintain the atmosphere.

"The focus has been brilliant so far. As far as the team is concerned, not thinking anything apart from cricket. There're certain things that has to happen and will happen. You noticed something that's been going for about last 10 years. Now that Sachin has announced his retirement, you're noticing it more," he said.

The skipper said they're just committed to win the series against the Caribbeans and then decide on dedicating it to Tendulkar.

"First and foremost, we need to focus on cricket and look to win the series. Once we have won the series, it's always easier whom you want to dedicate it to. It's always easy to do that," he said.