I have already started using Kohli more while making decisions, says Dhoni

Oct 15, 2016 at 6:28 PM

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I have already started using Kohli more while making decisions, says Dhoni

There are speculations all around that Virat Kohli taking on the captaincy in all formats is just a matter of time. And it seems that current limited-overs’ format skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is well aware of that. Well, at least his words indicate that. Speaking ahead of the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, India’s most decorated skipper said that he has started using his deputy more often than not while taking decisions in the match.

“I have already started using him (Kohli) more. If you witness a match you will see I have more interactions with him on the field because two individuals, of course, will conduct in different ways,” Dhoni said.

Dhoni is under immense pressure to perform as a captain. With the team going through a transition phase right now, there are speculations that the selectors might opt for one captain for all the formats and unless Dhoni performs well, there is no guarantee that he will hold on to his position.

When asked about his role in the team right now, he said: “Role doesn’t change when you are a senior member of the squad irrespective of whether you are captain or vice-captain. You have extra responsibility on you. You have to talk to the youngsters, you have to guide them.”

“A lot of things have changed since I made my debut in 2004. The way cricket is played has changed. The kind of players that are coming in the Indian team are drastically different than what we were used to. My role is quite the same. You only evolve with time and that’s what I am trying to do,” he added.

Dhoni has been one of the best finishers the game has ever seen. But the talismanic batsman has looked like a pale shadow of his former self in recent matches. The way he failed to finish the T20 match against West Indies in the USA had raised a lot of questions on his batting and several people have asked to try new batsmen at that position.

When asked about that, he said: “You have to look at consistent performers. Finishing is one of the most difficult things to do in cricket. A player can’t be a finisher in just 6 months or one year. You have to be used to that responsibility, keeping on doing what is required from you over a period of time.”

“I personally feel a finisher is somebody who bats at 5 or 6. It is very difficult to come and fill in that opportunity because there would be times when you don’t even get an opportunity as the top-order does the bulk of the scoring.

“As far as identifying individuals who can be a finisher is concerned, yes we have identified a few but I would like to keep the names to ourselves, the reason being not to put an undue pressure on any individual,” Dhoni added.

On the selectors’ decision tor rest R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja for the series, Dhoni said: “At times you need to look at future schedules. We are playing 13 Test matches this season, after that IPL followed by Champions Trophy. As such there is no big break in the middle. So I think it’s a good decision. At times you have look at the long-term things.

“We also get an opportunity to test other players and see the bench strength. We are just playing eight ODIs this season. So whatever plans we have we can check them in these matches,” he added.

He also said that he might promote himself in the batting order.

“I may bat slightly up the order now. This team will give me an opportunity to bat at the number that I am looking for. But still it will be quite low, not like a no. 4 position,” he said.

In this cricket-crazy nation, the team remains always under pressure to give good results. Speaking on that, he said: “India is all about winning. Let’s be frank people and the media only wants Indian team to win. So at the end of the day, it becomes difficult. If you rest Virat (Kohli) or Ajinkya (Rahane) then there will be questions what’s really happening?

“So when you get an opportunity you try to make the most of it. But there are a few slots we are definitely looking forward to and there a few individuals who we are really keen to see what they have to offer,” he added.

“Let’s be fair about it, with the Indian team, it’s very difficult to give chances. We have to win games and also look at the process. We try our best to do both.”

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