grameenphone ODI SERIES
Dhoni proves a point
Sports Reporter from Chittagong
Long-haired Indian star Mahendra Dhoni was not only relieved to be back among the runs after a tumultuous time at the World Cup, but was also pleased that he starred in a country where he made his debut in December 2004.The 25-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman was adjudged the man of the series for his courageous knock of 91 in the first match when India looked dead and buried at 144 for 5 in pursuit of 250 set by Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla Mirpur Stadium. "I am happy to have done well here, a place where I made my debut but was run out after facing just one ball. So it is good to have done well here as I wanted to prove something," said the smiling cricketer who played the one-day series in 2004 when India won 2-1. His adjustment from a lower-order batsman to number three in the line-up was also something remarkable in the hot and humid conditions, having kept wickets for more than three hours. "Playing for the country is enough motivation for me. I don't think of anything else other than that. I am here to win for my country and that is enough for me to go out in the middle," said Dhoni. "The team comes first obviously so I don't mind where I am asked to bat, whether it's down the order or at number three." "You have to adjust yourself to the demand of the situation, whatever that is. If I am successful in doing it, then you know what the situation is," said the cricketer who hails from Ranchi. Dhoni was severely criticised back home for his failure in the World Cup but he admitted that he has moved on. "That's something that was beyond my control and never really thought of it." His captain Rahul Dravid, in a jovial mood at the post-match briefing with the reporters, mentioned Dhoni's partnership with Dinesh Karthick as one of the positives from this series. He also mentioned the performance of the fast bowlers and Gautam Gambhir's 101 in the second match as good memories. He however was disappointed at the third game being called for soggy outfield. "It is quite frustrating that we have to go back without having played a match. But I think being familiar with the ground is what we can take back today (Tuesday)," said Dravid. He was aware that Bangladesh have not played a Test for thirteen months and said that their lack of experience could well be the difference.
| 
