Sports India

The five-match ODI series loss against West Indies left India with dented pride, admitted wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. But he was quick to add that the invaluable experience would come in handy when the team returns to the Caribbean for the World Cup next year.

“Of course it was very disappointing to lose the one-day series. Actually we heard so much about the wickets there — that it’s very fast and bouncy with lot of help for the pacers. But once we landed there, it turned out to be a complete different story. The pitches were slow, ball didn’t come on to the bat and the batsmen could not play their shot. It was in fact slower than some of the pitches in India. However, I still feel that it was a great experience, especially considering that we will be playing World Cup there next year. I think the series would help us then and we are hoping for the best,’’ he told reporters on Monday. Asked if he would like to open the innings in the one dayers, the stumper said that he would go by whatever the think-tank decides.

“Well, the batting order is something the management decides. Now you have Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag as openers. I mean, I think this is something for the captain and the entire management to decide. And if you ask about me, I’m comfortable everywhere,” he said.

Equally flamboyant behind and in front of the wickets, Dhoni also seemed quite at ease with his commercials. “I think it’s quite good and not very hectic. The shooting is generally for about two or three hours and you can relax. It’s a small group as you shoot for one-and-a-half or two minutes and you have time for yourself,’’ he added.