Mahendra Singh Dhoni an Amazing Captain and Strong Leader: Adam Gilchrist

Former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist on Friday said he did not agree with his countryman Ian Chappell's demand for Mahendra Singh Dhoni to relinquish Test captaincy and hand over the reins to Virat Kohli. (Dhoni Good but Ganguly Best Captain: Yuvraj)

"I have said it a number of times before that I have been very impressed with Dhoni right from the moment he arrived into the scene. He is an amazing captain and has won India T20 and ODI World Cups. India also reached the pinnacle by climbing to the number one spot in Test cricket," he told reporters at an event organised by University of Wollongong, Australia. (Dhoni Needs to Think Better as Test Captain: Ganguly)

Former Australia captain Chappell had said earlier this month that he did not find Dhoni good enough to be India's Test captain anymore and said it was time to hand over the reins of the team to Kohli.

Dhoni clearly is a strong leader and a quality all-round cricketer, Gilchrist said adding that he is calm and is an extraordinary character. (Dhoni's Test Captaincy Fails to Impress Ponting)

Gilchrist said Australia will be one of the favourites to win the 2015 World Cup but there could be three or four other contenders.

"I think Australia will be one of the favourites in the start of the World Cup tournament. I don't know if there is one favourite. Any number of three or four teams could win the World Cup," he added.

Asked about India's chances in the upcoming Test series in Australia, Gilchrist said all the teams hold the home ground advantage at the moment and that is reflected in the performances of India, England and Australia.

"As of now the teams are maintaining home ground advantage at the moment. You can see Australia, India and England - they have not done well abroad," he said. (Dhoni's Captaincy Not up to Test Standard: Brearly)

Regarding India he said, "I am sure India and Virat Kohli would have addressed themselves and checked their mistakes, and are ready for the Australian heat," he said.

Gilchrist further said he did not find any problems with the Indian batting line-up.

"I don't see any reason why the (Indian) batting line-up shouldn't be successful. I don't know if the wickets will have steep bounce and do something sideways." he said.

"However, everything depends on the mental set-up of a team," he added.

Will the absence of players like Sunil Naraine, if he is not cleared for his dubious bowling action, affect competitiveness in the World Cup to be played in Australia, Gilchrist said the game is bigger than individuals.

"There was a time when Sir Donal Bradman left the scene.

"We have even seen Sachin Tendulkar leave the game, but cricket goes on," he said.

Earlier, the champion Australian cricketer introduced the second recipient of the annual Bradman Scholarship for a talented Indian cricketer to study at the University.

This year's winner is Alankrit Jangid of Jaipur. Alankrit was a talented junior cricketer who represented his school and Rajasthan state at the national school level as a wicketkeeper and opening batsman.

Gilchrist launched the university's Bradman Scholarship in his role as the varsity's Brand Ambassador to India.

The scholarship, named in honour of the world's greatest-ever cricketer, Sir Donald Bradman, helps Indian students study in the Australia university.

The scholarship was established to reward Indian students - male or female - who have completed secondary school and who demonstrate a combination of academic, sporting, personal and social skills, as well as strong participation in cricket.