Dhoni lauds India as comeback kings after triumph against Pakistan

Mahendra Singh Dhoni hailed India as cricket's bounce-back kings after they again followed up an early defeat in a major tournament with an emphatic win and kick-started their bid for World Twenty20 glory.

After their shock defeat on Tuesday to New Zealand in their first match, the hosts cruised to a six-wicket victory over arch rivals Pakistan in Kolkata late Saturday.

The defeat against New Zealand had put a question mark over India's status as red-hot favourites and triggered accusations of complacency.

But in a cauldron-like atmosphere of a packed Eden Gardens, Dhoni's men held their nerve and reached the target of 119 with 13 balls remaining.

The bounce-back from the humiliating 47-run reverse against the Kiwis came as no surprise to veteran skipper Dhoni who was captain when India won the inaugural World T20 in 2007 and the 2011 ODI World Cup after stuttering starts to their campaign.