Dhoni should bat higher up the order: Gilchrist

Mumbai:

Former Australian wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist is in favour of Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni batting higher up the order, enabling him play as many overs as possible.

"He's (Dhoni) such a danger to play against. I would like to see him bat up the order especially in the abbreviated version of the game. You want your best batsmen to face as many deliveries as possible," Gilchrist told reporters here on Tuesday.

"He has a lot on his plate, I understand that. But I would encourage him to bat higher in the order," Gilchrist said, adding, "Dhoni paces his innings well. But its his decision."

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Gilchrist said missing speedsters Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson and all-rounder James Hopes, who have been ruled out of the second ODI due to injuries, was a huge blow for the Aussies.

"It will be a huge blow. Any injury is. India felt the absence of Yuvraj Singh (in the first ODI) and I am sure he will be welcomed back," he said.

Predicting an intense series, the 37-year-old player said that India team would be strenghtened with the return of explosive Yuvraj Singh.

"The series will be evenly fought. Both team showed fighting qualities. I won't predict the scoreline but with Yuvraj's return, I think Indian team would be more dangerous," he said.

Gilchrist named southpaw Yuvraj, pacer Ishant Sharma and off-spinner Harbhajan Singh as the "impact players" for India and Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting and left-hander Michael Hussey for the visitors.

On sacking of Indian fielding coach Robin Singh, he said, "It's an area you need to be committed in this age. India should be out there in search of someone in that position."

Commenting on the performance of Rohit Sharma, whom he captained as skipper of the Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Gilchrist said he was surprised by his removal from the Indian team.

"Though I haven't followed his figures, I am surprised by the selector's view that he cannot be a part of his team. I am a big fan of his and would like to see him develop into a good player for India. He's got the skills and the talent..he's learning," he said.

Saying that too much cricket was being played these days, Gilchrist said other teams should learn from Australia on how to save players from burning out.

"I do believe there is generally too much cricket played in the world. I think contracts are signed and organisers are committed a particular number of matches. But they should realise saturation will not help matters," he said.

"We've seen Ricky (Ponting) pull out of the IPL last year. Johnson, and (Brad) Haddin keeping out of it to keep themselves fresh to play for Australia. Players in their prime of their careers should take care of it," he added.

Asked about the Champions League, Gilchrist, who led Deccan Chargers in the recently concluded tournament, said the concept had a lot of potential and should be given some time to develop.

"It should not be compared with the IPL that achieved instant success. It is a fantastic concept but we've to be patient with it. It has the potential to be keenly developed and followed," he said.

Gilchrist attributed the success of the Australian teams in the Champions League to the standard of domestic cricket played in the country.

"The standard of domestic cricket is the highest in the world. There are only six teams and the competition to get into these teams is very high," he said.