My role has changed a lot: Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who holds the record of the highest score by a wicketkeeper (183 not out) in ODIs, will be a crucial cog in India's wheel at the World Cup. Much is expected from this flamboyant dasher, and the milk-guzzling man from Jharkhand says he's ready for the big event. In a free-wheeling interview with TOI, he spelt out his Caribbean plans.
Excerpts...
Q: Are you happy with your form going into the World Cup? Are you keen, excited or nervous?
A: I'm not really nervous. I'm very happy with my current form. If you see, my role has changed a lot. The things I was supposed to do or what I was doing in the past, if you leave the last eight months or so, has completely changed. Now I have the responsibility of finishing the game rather than coming in at No 3 or 4 and accelerating. It's fine with me and I'm happy with the way I'm batting and also my wicket-keeping.

Q: Does the World Cup put you under any kind of pressure?

A: I'd rather not think of it as a World Cup. I consider it as a very special tournament, else it brings added pressure onto you.

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Q: Over time, how much has MS Dhoni changed or matured?

A: I have accepted the responsibility that has been given to me. The way I used to play and the way I approach the game now has changed a lot. I think I have adapted well. Of course, it depends on match conditions and situations, but on the whole I have matured at the international level. My shot selection is improving and I am trying to add a few more to my range of strokes. But it's a gradual process and hopefully I'll get better.
Q: With Dinesh Karthik in the side, is there pressure on you?
A: If you look at it that way, then India have four wicketkeepers: Rahul Dravid, who's been one of India's successful 'keepers in ODIs, Dinesh (Karthik) and (Robin) Uthappa, who used to keep wickets at the under-19 level. Still, it's good for us. It's a challenge and brings the best out of you.
Q: Won't you like to bat higher?
A: I have accepted the role given to me. So, in a way, I won't be getting a hundred or a 80 each time I go out as I would get to play say 15 overs or thereabouts. I will need to stay till the end.
Q: How would you maintain your style of play and relate it with the success of the team in the World Cup?
A: The position I'm batting at now is an important one. It's a specialist's slot. We don't have many in the team who can clear the field and get seven runs an over consistently. I have managed to do that. I am now trying to improve my strokes. A batsman at No 7 has to be a specialist in his own way and has an important job to do and, hopefully, I will do it well.
Q: You've been saying that you want a 100% strike rate. Considering that there will be others like Adam Gilchrist, Andrew Flintoff and Shahid Afridi doing the same, your performance will be also compared. Doesn't that worry you?
A: I really don't like comparisons. I will try my best to maintain a cent per cent strike rate. But wickets in West Indies would be slow and I may not get many overs to bat. Hence, I'll have to pace the innings accordingly. Considering that, a strike rate of 80 should be good enough. However, I will try to attain a 100 per cent strike rate.
Q: What does the big stage of the World Cup mean to you? You will be playing alongside and against your heroes like Gilchrist and Sachin Tendulkar. Is it a dream come true?
A: Definitely. Also, I feel that this will be the last World Cup for many stars. Most teams are well-balanced and have plenty of talent. In that sense, this will be one of the best World Cups. Every team has an equal chance and the one that plays consistently will win. It will be a tough World Cup.
Q: You have stated that you did not enjoy the last West Indies tour. So, how will you keep yourself charged up?
A: The World Cup stage is so big. There will be lots of people around and stars playing everywhere, so I am sure things will be different than the last time. Frankly speaking, with the same beaches and slow life around I didn't find the Caribbean really exciting. But yes, the people out there are very warm and loving.
courtesy:timesofindia