Wicketkeeper batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Saturday termed his elevation as vice-captain of India’s one-day side as a motivational factor and pledged to give his best in the new capacity.
“It is always a pleasure and motivation to have an added responsibility. Be it being promoted up the order to bat in a tough situation or like now when I have been made the vice-captain. When you get a responsibility you try and live up to it. It's a first for me and I am excited about it. Hopefully I will do my best,” Dhoni said on the concluding day of the cricket skills camp.
Dhoni said the open nets the players had during the camp would stand them in good stead during the twin tours to Ireland and England. “Hopefully we will get some practice in Ireland and get used to the wickets. It is about adjusting well to those conditions. Basically, it is adapting to the wickets and here we have had some green wickets and the practice was good. The advantage of having match simulation was that we were aware that in case you are out there is no second chance. That made you a lot more focussed,” he said.
Meanwhile, skipper Rahul Dravid rated Dhoni’s promotion as vice-captain as a reward for the consistency that the Ranchi player has shown in recent times.
“Dhoni along with the other boys have to take this team forward. They are the next generation cricketers who will take us ahead. I think,” Dravid said.
Dhoni's elevation is a reward for the effort that he has put in, the consistency he has shown, and maturity in various situations, which shows his thinking mind. I am sure he will enjoy the role and looking forward to his support,” Dravid added.