The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Dhoni is game for dhamaka, yet again

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 16, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Dhoni is game for dhamaka, yet again

V.V. Subrahmanyam

Dashing cricketer hopes to continue the good run he had against Sri Lankans

HYDERABAD: It is all about his flowing locks and thundering shots. That's Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who had a dream run against the Sri Lankans recently.

However, Dhoni says he is aware that with South Africans, it's going to be a different ball game altogether. "I've played a lot against Lankan spinners. This time around, we are up against a predominantly fast attack. But, I am ready for the challenge," he says.

According to HCA official scorer Thomas Blessington, Dhoni recorded a stunning 34 sixes and 65 fours in 23 one-day internationals from April 2 to November 12.

"Honestly, I am not giving too much thought to it. I want to give it my best shot, and hope to continue the good run I had against the Lankans," Dhoni avows.

"I am comfortable at any slot. Whatever the team management decides, I am ready for it," he observes.

Is he ready for the Test slot too? "I am doing my best I can in the One-Dayers. It is for selectors to decide," he says with his typical toothy grin.

The cricketer from Jharkhand, first ever to play for the country, is enjoying the wave of popularity.

"This is understandable. We have to enjoy it. I am happy that my efforts are being recognised."

Gilly is different

Dhoni makes it clear that he hates to be compared with Aussie great Adam Gilchrist. "I don't like the comparisons. Our styles are different. Let's not discuss anymore on this," he points out.

Referring to his long hair, the dashing wicketkeeper-batsman says it's not a new feature, and he has been sporting it for a long time. Hyderabadis cannot expect a better feast than the Dhoni dhamaka on Wednesday.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Andhra Pradesh