Bangalore: Seeking to dispel the notion that he was a reckless shotmaker, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has said his immediate target is to maintain his current batting average and ensure he does not fritter away a good start.
"Believe me, one cannot get a century every time you walk in at number seven. It is really difficult. My initial aim is to stay at the wicket to score 30 runs from 25 balls and then go for the bowlers," Dhoni said.
"I have played international matches for over 18 months. I always like to give hundred per cent to the team's cause. My immediate target is to maintain my current average," he said.
Dhoni said he had no qualms about batting at any position since he was open to new challenges.
"I am willing to bat at any order that my team decides. I take it up as a new challenge. It is perfectly alright for me to play at any slot. Cricket is a team game and my goal always will be to help the team win."
The Jharkhand player admitted that he needed to work on his wicketkeeping more.
"I have to work hard in that area. It is all about reading the bowling arm of Anil (Kumble) and Harbhajan Singh as also the pace bowlers. Keeping wickets for spinners is a tough task as you have to read their pace and bounce," he said.
On his much-talked about hairstyle, Dhoni said, "I think if there is some chat going on about me, my hairstyle naturally comes up for discussion. I guess my mane and game are connected."
Dhoni termed Twenty-20 cricket as an interesting concept. "Personally, I think it is an interesting concept and the best thing for spectators."
Dhoni's senior mates - Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh - who were also present - said they were confident of putting up a good show in the upcoming triseries in Sri Lanka.
"If we play to our potential, we can win the tournament. Sri Lanka has been in good nick and performing well and South Africa, though slightly depleted, is a strong team. It will be a challenging series," Yuvraj said.
Dhoni said what the team learnt in West Indies would hold them in good stead in the Emerald Isle.
"We have just finished our tour of the West Indies where the wickets are slow like the Sri Lankan wickets. What we learnt in the West Indies will help us well in our goal to win the triseries."
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