Dhoni keen to shrug off pinch-hitter's tag

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, one of the few successes in a largely disappointing season for India, has said that he is keen to be recognised as a specialist batsman and strokeplayer, not just as a pinch-hitter. Speaking to the media in Kolkata, Dhoni, who became an overnight star thanks to a scintillating 148 at No. 3 against Pakistan in only his fifth one-day international, spoke of his desire to bat for longer periods in ODIs. "My focus will be to bat through the middle overs," he told The Indian Express. "In one-day cricket, the phase between the 15th and the 40th overs is as crucial as the first 15 overs. Look to play yourself in - that's what I constantly keep telling myself these days."

Dhoni's thunderous strokeplay and his flowing mane made him an instant hero last season, but he seems keen to cultivate a more sober image. The long locks are now gone, and if his recent quotes are to be believed, the lofted hits over extra-cover will soon be a thing of the past too. "I hate it when people call me pinch-hitter. I am more of a strokeplayer. I have had enough of simply hitting the ball hard in the first 15 overs."

Dhoni might want to sober down in ODIs, but he was at his swashbuckling best in the P Sen Trophy, a one-day tournament involving local clubs in Kolkata. Playing for Shyambazar Club, reported at a fee of Rs100,000 (US$2275 approx), Dhoni slammed 207 off a mere 126 balls against George Telegraph. According to the Khaleej Times, this was the highest score in the tournament's history, beating the earlier record set by a certain Sachin Tendulkar.

With Tendulkar unavailable for the triangular series in Sri Lanka in August, there is a possibility that Dhoni could move up to open the innings. Dhoni has been batting at No. 3 for the last five ODIs, but insisted that he was ready to open. "I am ready for that slot. It is unfortunate that Tendulkar will be out of action. But I am totally prepared for this."

Meanwhile, Dhoni also indicated that he would be open to shifting domestic loyalties to Bengal during the forthcoming season. Dhoni's current team, Jharkhand, is among the second-rung domestic states, which means fewer matches and lesser exposure against top-class opposition. The Khaleej Times quoted him as saying: "I am open to such offer and hope everyone understands my reasons for it."