Experimenting is a word banned from Indian cricket: MS Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, while talking about the possibility of promoting someone like Hardik Pandya up the batting order, ahead of himself and Yuvraj Singh, said that “experimenting is a word banned from Indian cricket”.

"Almost 200 runs were scored, but there was something for everyone. Experimenting is a word banned from Indian cricket, but yes we're trying different things. Our top order has done well, so we're trying to give everyone an opportunity whenever possible," he said during the post match interview, as reported by Zee News.

When asked about whether Yuvraj Singh will get a permanent slot in the batting order, Dhoni joked, “Nobody thinks about me. I also keep going up and down".

But on a serious note, the 34-year-old explained that given the quality and performances of the current top-four, it is difficult of accommodate Yuvraj higher than number 5 in the batting order.

He said, "But yes you are right. When a match starts, Yuvi is slotted in at No 5. It is difficult to get him to bat at a higher position than that. Because the top four - the openers, No. 3 is Virat Kohli, No. 4 is Suresh Raina. If you look at these four, their record in India and overseas is extraordinary. It becomes slightly difficult.”

"Yes Yuvraj Singh is back in the team. We wish to give him more batting. But at the same time, since I have played with Yuvi a lot, I know it is difficult for him to go and straightaway start hitting in the 17th or 18th over. He's like a proper batsman who can hit.”

"Okay, he can start early. Whenever he bats in the slog, he has found it difficult. We'll see how it goes. I will try to give him more opportunity in the upcoming games. But again we want to win games. That will also be our priority. We will see how it goes."

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MSD was once again at his bantering best, when asked about the lack of helicopter shots recently, he said, "Helicopter has to take-off at a particular place. If you go to the sea or in a submarine, it will be difficult for the helicopter to take off. You have to see what are the plans. Helicopter shot is a shot played to a particular delivery. if that delivery is not bowled, I cannot play a helicopter shot against a bouncer. Maybe I can take a stool and play the helicopter shot but as of now looking at the strategy of the opposition, it is difficult to play that shot. If someone is bowling a wide-yorker outside off and if I try playing it on the leg-side then it is of no use."