New Delhi: Stressing the role of an all-rounder, Dhoni said having such players in the squad was always a plus.
“An all-rounder gives you the option of playing an extra batsman or a bowler. We have picked three in the side and we have got cover for everyone.
“People, especially old-time cricketers, question that if seven batsmen cannot get the job done, how would the eighth one help? But it is often the eighth batsman who contributes to the win. It doesn’t matter if it’s a spinning all-rounder or a seaming one, they are the way forward.”
Refusing to talk about the recent allegations on the 2014 Manchester Test against England being “fixed” or “the controversial situations leading to the termination of the Chennai franchise”, the 34-year-old said he “believed in living in the present”.
“The IPL has got its share of bad name, but we have to look at the positives that it has brought to Indian cricket. Every year, it gives us new talent who play 14 games in front of big crowds. We get to know how an individual handles pressure and it later translates to the international stage. This is how I view IPL,” Dhoni added.
