Dhoni wants to master the saviour act

Bangalore, July 30 (UNI) Mahendra Singh Dhoni insists he is not just another bang-bang batsman and enjoys the challenge of bailing out the side when going gets tough.

In a chat here with the newsmen here last evening, the swashbuckling stumper said more than hoicking the bowlers over the ropes, steadying the ship in the hour of crisis is something he attaches more importance to.

''Bailing out the team at a crucial time is important for me and it is really challenging,'' Dhoni said.

''My main aim is always to help the team come out of the crisis.

I believe in realistic thinking. Practical thinking is just what you need at such times and accordingly I try to perform, whether it's behind the wicket or with the bat,'' he explained.

Elaborating his point further, the star stumper said, ''I can not expect to score 100 when I am batting at number seven. The role would be completely different. Going there, playing, facing 25 balls and scoring 30-35 odd runs remains my target.'' A naturally gifted player, Dhoni didn't undermine the importance of proper planing and said, ''It will work if you plan meticulously and execute your ideas properly.'' Dhoni said hard work has been the key to his success so far and he enjoys the challenge of keeping to bowlers like Harbhajan Singh.

''I work, thinking it's part and parcel of the game. If you are good behind the wicket, bowlers will get boost and it is really a challenge for me,'' he said.

A true team man, Dhoni said batting positions don't really matter for him.

''Batting position is not a worry for me. I have batted from number one to eight. It is a new challenge to batting at a different slot. You have to read the situation and adopt yourself. You have to plan whether it is the 30th over or 40th over. You have to adopt yourself and perform,'' he elaborated.

Replying to a question about the forthcoming tri-series in Sri Lanka in which South Africa is the third team, Dhoni said that it would a tough task as Sri Lanka is also performing well in the ODIs.

Like in West Indies, the pitch in Sri Lanka may also be slow but it should not come in the way of putting up best performance in the series, he remarked.

About experiences in three-day fitness camp held at an army atmosphere, about 65 km from the city, he said it was completely different camp and learnt more during the stay.

UNI MSP AY KN1131