Dhoni denies reports of rift within team

In a bizarre turn of events, the entire Indian team turned up at the pre-match press conference at Trent Bridge on Friday in a "show of unity" following media reports of a rift between senior players.

Once the team had assembled, captain MS Dhoni read out a statement to "the people of India and Indian cricket fans worldwide". The team, he said, was unified, "as good as it has ever been with each individual supporting each other on and off the field". He called the reports, published in the Indian media on Friday, of a rift between himself and Virender Sehwag "false and irresponsible behaviour".

The team, Dhoni said, was headed into the Twenty20 World Cup confident, well-prepared and unified. Once the statement was read out, the entire team - Dhoni included - walked off.

The reports had pointed to Dhoni's replies - at a press conference on Thursday - on Sehwag's injury as indicative of a rift between the two. Sehwag yet to bat on the tour, is suffering from a niggle to his right shoulder and Dhoni said he wasn't sure when he'd be able to play.

India play their first game on Saturday, against Bangladesh.

source: cricinfo