Jamshedpur, December 3: Wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni has said he was proud and happy at being inducted in the national squad for the three one-day internationals against Bangladesh this month. "I am really excited and happy. But the call is certainly not unexpected," Dhoni, who was preparing for next Saturday's Ranji trophy match between Kerala and Jharkhand at Keenan stadium here, said. 

Dhoni, who had toured Kenya as the member of India A team earlier and been adjudged the 'Man of the Series' for his brilliant performance during that tour, said he was proud of being inducted in the senior side. "Though I had expected a call during the Pakistan tour by India team earlier this year, I did not feel let down after being omitted. But I was really hopeful of being lucky this time, particularly after the selection was deferred by a day," he said 

Asked how he would cope with the pressure in an international outing, Dhoni said there was always pressure in an international match and he would rather choose to play his natural game. Asked whether he would persist with his aggressive style of batting in a one-dayer, Dhoni said "I do not want to change my batting and I will definitely try to perform to my best potential." 

About frequent changes in the wicket-keeper's slot in the Indian team recently, Dhoni said he believed India needed a wicket-keeper batsman who can keep stumps and can also bat at the number seven position. Dhoni and Joginder Sharma are the two new faces in the 15-member squad. Dhoni got the nod ahead of Dinesh Kaarthick by virtue of his better batting record in domestic matches and India A series. (Agencies)

Published: Friday, December 03, 2004

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