The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Dhoni walks the honest path

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Wednesday, Oct 04, 2006
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Dhoni walks the honest path

Special Correspondent

M.S. Dhoni. — PHOTO: PTI

CHENNAI: M.S. Dhoni nicked V.R.V. Singh to the 'keeper and did not wait for the umpire's decision. He was in need of runs in India Blue's first game against Red in the Challenger Series, but still decided to `walk.'

"I have always been like this and this is my natural instinct. If I know I have edged the ball, I do not like to stay put," he told The Hindu on Tuesday.

Australia's Adam Gilchrist may well have been his inspiration. "It's about the manner in which he plays the game. He's so attacking. And everyone knows about the basic honesty in him as a cricketer," Dhoni said.

"I admire his cricket, but you cannot say I have been influenced by him in the aspect of walking. I'm a `walker' from my school days, much before Gilchrist entered the international scene," he said.

Does Dhoni, the 'keeper, have to be completely convinced that a batsman is out before appealing? "There are times when you just don't know. Your vision is blocked and you hear nothing, especially down the leg-side. In such instances, you appeal and leave it to the umpire," he said.

He defended captain Rahul Dravid and coach Greg Chappell on the question of experimentation. "You can only do it now and find out the right options. It cannot be done closer to the World Cup," he said.

He is pleased with his progress behind the stumps. "But, there is a lot more to learn," he admitted. For Dhoni, the learning process continues.

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