Captaincy not an issue: Dhoni

Melbourne, Dec 19 (UNI) Dismissing all speculations about a possible heartburn for being overlooked as Team India skipper for the upcoming four-Test series Down Under, vice-captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni asserted that he plays the game for pleasure and not for captaincy.

The stylish wicket-keeper was not handed the leadership for the tough series against Australia, because the selectors felt that would put too much pressure on the Ranchi lad.

Dhoni said he has no issue on appointing Anil Kumble the captain and he serving under the experienced leggie.

''It's not about captaining the side. It's all about the pleasure of playing cricket and the passion you have about the game. So being the captain or not being the captain doesn't make any difference to me,'' Dhoni said.

''Coming to Australia and playing in Australia that is a pleasure, it's a very different place and you can enjoy it off the field and on the field.'' He said there was no lack of cohesion in the team which has three former skippers in Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.

He felt the experience of those three will rather help Kumble and himself enormously during the four-Test series, starting on Boxing Day (December 26) at the MCG.

''If you take the positive part of it whenever you need help on the field and when you are in a tough situation and you have to decide something which has a big impact on the game then you have three or four players that can help you with it,'' Dhoni said.

''You are not under as much pressure because of their input and with the experience they have got so you will be able to take the best decision and that is what matters,'' Dhoni opined.

UNI