‘Australia tour will shape us for World T20,’ says MS Dhoni

Mumbai: Though out of cricket for a while, Mahendra Singh Dhoni – India limited-over skipper – never looked more slender. The 34-year-old’s debonair presence reflected a sense of satisfaction of an achiever. Few hours before flying to Australia for the ODI and T20 series, ‘Captain Cool’ unleashed his plans and switched on the wit button.

“I am not someone who loved going to the gym but one does need a change. Being out of Tests, now I have the extra time. Hence, I am doing a bit of planning with regards to my body. I have not lost weight, I weigh the same for 15 years now, but I have toned down,” he said.

More than the series, Dhoni is eager to find the key players for the future. “There are quite a few youngsters who will be given a chance. They have been doing well in the domestic tournaments. Now, it is time to take that leap into the international arena,” said Dhoni.

22-year-old Hardik Pandya earned his maiden call-up in the team. Dhoni defended the selection process talking about the importance of all-rounders when playing outside the sub-continent.

Though the ICC World T20 will be played in India, Dhoni believes the tour Down Under will shape the team for the mega event. “We will have an idea about our team combination for World T20 after the tour of Australia. The competitive cricket the Aussies play will help us do better.

“Having spinning all-rounders is also an advantage. Axar Patel recently batted well in the domestic tournaments. There will be ample opportunities for the newcomers to step up in both bowling and batting departments. We will also know who will be the game changer in the next two years,” Dhoni added.

With Suresh Raina not being included in the ODI squad, Dhoni is likely to bat in the No 6 position. “It is a tricky position to bat. We will have to see who takes that spot. I may take the added pressure as well. We need to find more talent in the No 5, 6, 7 position,” said Dhoni, who is extremely happy for spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s achievement in the last calendar year.

“He is an asset to the team, a thinking cricketer. One needs a good spinner irrespective of the format and he is the one. I have used him everywhere. When my fast bowlers did not do well, he did the job.

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