Don't blame IPL parties: Sachin to Dhoni

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Pune, May 28: Contradicting Mahendra Singh Dhoni's views, senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar said IPL parties cannot be blamed for India's debacle in the recent Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies.

India could not reach the semifinals of the Twenty20 World Cup and skipper Dhoni said late night parties and continuous travelling during the Indian Premier League took a toll on the players' body.

Tendulkar, however, begged to differ and said every player should be aware of their responsibilities.

"Parties and performance are two different things that cannot be related and every player should know his responsibility," Tendulkar said after laying foundation stone of an extension of Deenanath Mangeshkar hospital in Pune.

Besides, Tendulkar said parties are not new in cricket.

"Parties used to be held even in the past," he said, laying stress on observing individual's discretion in the matter.

Tendulkar, who led Mumbai Indians to the final of IPL III, said he avoided the parties since he wanted to be fresh for the next day's match.

"I did not go for any of the IPL parties. I always wanted to be ready for the next match," he said.

Tendulkar said every player should know how his body reacts and follow certain things to carry out his duties and responsibilities.

Arguably the greatest batsman ever, Tendulkar said it was important to ‘understand your body’ and strike a balance between play and rest.