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"I am happy for the ninth win (on the trot) but if we can add one more to it, it would be great," Dhoni said after India's 67-run win over Sri Lanka in the fourth match in Colombo on Thursday.
Dhoni promoted himself to number three in the match and came out with a magnificent 94-run knock. "I had not batted at number three for a long time. We had a long batting line up with (Irfan) Pathan coming at number eight. So I thought I should bat at the top order," he said.
"There was a ball change in the 34th over and we had to take the second power-play as well. So I thought one of the batsmen had to quickly get his hundred and capitalise in the power-play," he added.
Man-of-the-match Gautam Gambhir, who scored a blistering 150, said it was just the right platform for him to score a big hundred.
"I was always hitting the bowl well in the series and it was a perfect platform for me as we were already 3-0 up in the series and with Sehwag and Dhoni I just needed to play within myself and didn't have to do anything else," he said.
The left-hander also gave credit to Dhoni and coach Gary Kirsten for his performance.
"2008 has been good for me. Credit goes to Dhoni who has given me a lot of confidence and security to play my natural game. Also, Kirsten is the best coach India ever had and I hope under them I can continue my good show in 2009 as well." Gambhir also lavished praise on his opening partner Virender Sehwag.
"With Viru (Sehwag) one does not need to think much. He takes care of the scoreboard and the run-rate so the only thing I have to do is take my time and score runs in my scoring areas," he said.
Dhoni lauded his teammates for playing as a unit. "Cricket is a team sport and we are playing as a team, we want to enjoy as a unit and keep hunting as a pack and it is important that we continue doing that," he said.
Losing skipper Mahela Jayawardene said it was tough for the Lankans to make a comeback in the match after the Indian innings had ended with an imposing total of 332.
"Chasing 300 something is always tough. We lost wicket at regular intervals and once the pitch get slower it is difficult to score. It was really tough," he said after his side folded for 265 in 48 overs.
"You need to strike a balance as to when to consolidate. Credit to them, they batted well and made life difficult for us," he said.
Jayawardene also felt that India had advantage to bowl in better conditions. "Unfortunately, our guys did not have the option of bowling in the night. They took the advantage. But we have to keep our heads high and improve," he said.
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BEST OF LUCK DHONI TEAM.
Indian team is on top at present by every means. before 1st april, we need to clinch on odi ranking list
Playing for himself scores him top, but it will not take team on top. Dhoni's attitude is not for himself only, but he is playing for team and country. He always inspires his team to be a top. Every cricketer is good, but to play for the country and then team will become him the best and shines like a star. I heartly congratulate to Dhoni and his team for his outstanding performance dedicated to country. I pray to GOD to continue this glory. East or West India is the best........
Right attitude and right approach. Now the team needs guidance and support to remain at top. However the bigger challenge is to come. Dhoni's team has to play good cricket in a totally different condition at New Zealand and prove their supermacy. I hope and pray God that they can.
India has never had a captain like Dhoni. Ganguly tried his best but was never as successful as Dhoni. Had Kumble, Dravid, Tendulkar or Ganguly been the captain, India would be losing most of their matches like they did when each of them was the captain. Chappell also contributed to India's downfall when he was the coach. That was a total disaster. Kirsten and Dhoni seem to have a good understanding and respect for each other. They are inspiring the players to play for a win everytime. But testing time will come for Dhoni as it comes to all good capatins.
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