Zimbabwe a Big Challenge, Says Never-Say-Quit Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni will take the upcoming series against Zimbabwe as a challenge to lead an Indian team full of exciting prospects.

After an indifferent IPL, where he led Rising Pune Supergiants to the seventh spot in the eight-team tournament, Dhoni will take the Zimbabwe series to reinforce belief that he remains the best man to captain India in the limited overs format.

"Zimbabwe will be a different experience. There will be quite a few players with whom I will be playing for the first time. There will be challenges. I think composition looks good," said Dhoni, who is sporting a new hairstyle.

India captain @msdhoni addresses the media ahead of the Zimbabwe tour #ZIMvIND pic.twitter.com/8KdAlJl4c3

- BCCI (@BCCI) June 7, 2016

With India not expected to play limited overs cricket in the second half of 2016 and early 2017, the Zimbabwe series will present Dhoni a limited opportunity to establish his captaincy credentials at a time when the tide is in young Virat Kohli's favour to lead in all formats.

India will play over a dozen Test matches over 2016-2017. Having retired from the five-day format, Dhoni will be off international cricket for a long period. Dhoni still feels he is good at his job.

"That's the biggest motivation that I am playing for my country... fitness is not an issue... I am fit for the job I do," Dhoni told reporters in Mumbai ahead of India's departure for the Zimbabwe series. The first ODI will be played in Harare on June 11.

Dhoni has his eyes firmly on the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy in UK. India are the defending champions and Dhoni, who has won all ICC silverware, is keen to lead India in another world event.

"Having won the event in 2013, we know how intense this event can be and we are under no illusion that it will be any different next year," Dhoni told the ICC.

India have been grouped with Asian rivals Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as well as 1998 winner South Africa. India will open their campaign against Pakistan at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on June 4.

"I am sure the ICC Champions Trophy, like any other ICC event, will be well organised, and the team and I are looking forward to a lot of support, which was one of the factors that helped us across the line in 2013," Dhoni added.



(With inputs from Anurag Dwary)