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Supporters and onlookers line the road to wave and cheer at a bus transporting India's cricket team, as they are escorted by armoured vehicles after their arrival from Mohali at the airport in Mumbai, on Thursday. Image Credit: AP

Mumbai: The stay at the Hotel Taj has been an emotional one for most of the Indian players. It was the hotel that was attacked by terrorists on November 26, 2008.

Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni turned emotional when asked how it felt staying in the hotel. "It is a very emotional feeling considering what had happened there. But it was equally touching that we were greeted so well by the hotel staff. Definitely there were some somber memories... I can clearly remember those days. But we need to remain calm and composed and focused on our job. Hopefully, as we turn up at the field we will be at our best."

Top order batsman Gautam Gambhir even went on to remark that if India wins, he will dedicate the victory to the people who lost their lives in the terror attack. "The win against Pakistan and, if we win the final, both should be dedicated to the victims of the terror attack."

Gambhir remarked that when India beat Pakistan, he felt very happy. But went on to urge youngsters to work harder to create a stronger India in all fields.

Gambhir also used the opportunity to hit out at Ian Chappell who wrote in his column that he should not be in the eleven. "Our media should not blow out of proportion the opinion of former cricketers. It is easy for Chappell to sit in an air-conditioned box and pass judgements. If my team feels they want me to serve drinks, then I will do it happily."