India's latest pin-up boy and dashing wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni says he is ready to don the role of an opener.
"I am ready for it if given a chance," the 23-year-old stroke-player from Jharkhand, attending the pre-season physical fitness and conditioning camp, told reporters in Bangalore.
"But it's up to the team management and captain to decide," he said. "If they want me to open, I can open; if they want me to bat at number three, I will do so; if they want to bat at number seven, that's also good for me.
"Whatever the opportunity, I just like to perform at that level," said Dhoni, who had set ablaze the Visakhapatnam stadium with a scintillating 123-ball 148.
Asked if he would seek former India stumper Syed Kirmani's advice on wicket-keeping matters, he said he would love to and is keen on improving his keeping to spinners.
"We have some quality spinners; keeping wickets for them is tough, particularly on bouncy wickets," said the Ranchi lad, who was praised by new coach Greg Chappell, in his presentation to the Board of Control for Cricket, as one having huge potential given his aggressive batting style.
Dhoni said he is also closely watching Australia's Adam Gilchrist behind the stumps to learn a few more things. As a batsman, Gilchrist is quite aggressive, and Dhoni does not think anybody in the cricket world can copy him.
On what he needs to do to break into the Test side, Dhoni, who has played nine One-Day Internationals, said it's just that he has to perform well consistently in the shorter version of the game.
In response to a question, he said the changes in ICC rules governing One-Day Internationals would thrust an "extra responsibility" on captains, who will need to also lay a lot of stress on strategy.
He said the team is keen on winning the upcoming triangular one-day series in Sri Lanka, also involving the West Indies, to begin the season on a positive note.
