Ashwin is a thinking cricketer, I rely on him - M S Dhoni

"Ashwin is a thinking cricketer. His performance went down a bit and he was criticised for doing too many things, but I am glad he has come back well and he is an asset. I have used him in all slots from first to ten overs or in death. Good for me he makes my job slightly easier when my fast bowlers did not do well. I have relied upon him. He's been great," said Dhoni to the media.

Dhoni also opened up about the possible reasons for Ashwin’s slump in form, back in 2013.

“One crucial thing we miss is when you are part of the domestic circuit you don't play throughout the year. And then when you become part of the Indian team you start playing 12 months of cricket.

"And for spinners, if you are playing all the formats, at times one of the reasons can be your fingers getting tired. I am not saying that is the reason. It could be the reason from playing four months or five months of cricket to all of a sudden you are playing 12 months of active cricket,” said Dhoni.

Dhoni said he has also cautioned the off-spinner about his variations becoming a target, when his form dips after a period of time.

"I kept telling him that 'to me the only difference is, for example, if you are bowling all your variations in 2x4 area now you are bowling 4x6 ft area. That is the only thing lacking. Other than that, you don't have to worry about. It is bound to happen. Just focus on your bowling and you will be good.

"He is not someone who has bowled after the 10 from 11th to 35th. I have used him in the first 10 and also from 40-45. He just makes my job slightly easy, especially for a consistent period of time when my fast bowlers have not done well. It is good to have him and I think he is a great asset to the side irrespective of the format," said Dhoni.

The captain also praised the performances of the other two spinning all-rounders in the team – Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, who will be vying for the second spinner’s role.

"I am glad you said conditions are different for the spinners' performance in subcontinent and outside. (Ravi) Ashwin is our premier spinner and it is good to have (Ravindra) Jadeja back. The two spinning all-rounders will be competing for a spot. Axar (Patel) has also played well in domestic cricket," added Dhoni.

India are scheduled to play a five-match ODI series from January 12 to 23 and a three-match T20 series from January 26 with the final match on January 31.