Dhoni bats for India veterans

As India's experienced players drew flak for their lacklustre show in the just lost Test series against Sri Lanka, ODI captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni yesterday came in their defence, saying they did not need to prove themselves.

Dhoni, who gave the Test series a miss but is returning to lead the team in the shorter version matches, disagreed that experienced players should be more accountable than other members of the team in the Tests.

"You cannot ask a Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman or Anil Kumble to prove their credentials," Dhoni told PTI in an e-mail interview.

Indian middle-order batsmen were specially underfire as they failed to put on enough runs on board in the entire Test series against Sri Lanka which India lost 2-1.

Asked if he was ready to lead in the Tests as well, Dhoni said, "I think you should ask the selectors and the Board of Control for Cricket in India this question. I am happy with whatever they have in mind." The Khel Ratna awardee wicketkeeper-batsman, however, agreed that it was high time India improved to consistently win matches and reach the top of the world rankings.

"I think it is just with time we should start winning in ODIs consistently. We are a great team and we start doing well pretty soon.

"Australia as a team is still far ahead. Yes, we can beat Australia and we have proved that. But to do it consistently we have to improve a lot. I think once we become more consistent we can think of being number one," he said.