South Africa tour to be tough and challenging : Dhoni

Jamshedpur, Oct 31 (UNI) Team India's dashing wicket keeper-batsman Mahendra Sigh Dhoni today said the coming South Africa tour would be tough and challenging.

Dhoni, who arrived here this morning and came to see the Jharkhand Ranji trophy selecton trial at the College ground, told mediapersons that South Africa's condition would be alien to him and some of the players would visit that country for the first time.

'' It will take some time for myself and some of our team mates visiting that country for the first time to adjust with the new conditions over there. But I am confident that we will overcome all odds and perform well in the series, '' Dhoni asserted.

About too much experiment with the team, particularly with the batting order, by Team India coach Greg Chappell, Dhoni came out openly in supporting his coach, saying, '' Experimentation is necessary to build a balanced team before the World Cup and it would continue till January-February 2007. '' Reacting to India's recent performance in the Champions Trophy and the Malayasia tournament, the swashbcukling batsman said, '' Ups and downs are part and parcel of the game as it happens with every team.

But lack of practice during off season and less opportunity to play in Sri Lanka and Malayasia are some of the reasons for poor performance of Team India. '' Dhoni also welcomed the inclusion of wicket keeper Dinesh Karthik in place of injured Yuvraj Singh.

He said presence of Karthik would enhance competition, which would be good for the team.

'' Moreover, we can sort out keeping related problems discussing with each other, '' Dhoni opined.

He also praised Virender Sehwag, not in good nick in recent time and termed him as ''Match winner''.

Dhoni said, '' Sehwag is a good stroke maker and is trying to sort out whatever problems he is facing. The Mohali innings is the proof of that. '' Asked about his demotion in the batting order, Dhoni said, '' Batting down the order is more difficult and one has to be more responsible. My responsibility has changed now and am playing according to the demand of the situation. '' asked whether working in commercial ads had affected his performance, Dhoni said, '' I always give preference to my game and never compromise with it. I do commercial ads during the off season only. '' The Ranchi lad added he considered himself a wicket keeper first and then a batsman.

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