India's wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni says attaining the top ranking in the LG ICC Player Rankings for ODI batsmen will only goad him to keep performing.
"It's a pleasure for me to achieve the top ranking in a short span of 16 months. It really means I have done something to reach the top spot in such a short time," he said in Mumbai, on Thursday.
Following a knock of 59 in the second One-Day International against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, the 24-year-old displaced Australia captain Ricky Ponting to capture the No. 1 ranking.
"It's a good feeling and I hope to keep performing in the near future. If you want to stay in the team you need to keep performing," he said.
He was quick to add that contributing to the team's cause is more important than the rankings.
"Ranking does not matter. The team is more important. As long as my contributions lead to the team's victories, it is more important than the top ranking," he said.
Dhoni, who made his ODI debut in December 2004, has already evoked comparison with Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist for his attacking batting.
"Adam Gilchrist has proved himself consistently over a long period of time. I have played only 16 months of international cricket; hence, I think that the comparison cannot be justified. I just hope that people can recognize me as Mahendra Singh Dhoni only."
Dhoni is already a key component of the Indian side, both with the bat and his role behind the stumps. In 42 ODIs, he has scored 1372 runs at an average of 52.76, inclusive of two hundreds and eight half-centuries. His amazing strike-rate of 103 has won India quite a few tight games.
"During the last 16 months I have batted in positions between 1 to 8 and I have performed at all slots. That's why I think I have been ranked number one," he said.
He thanked the team management for their support, which, he said, helped him make a successful start to international cricket.
"The team management has supported me a lot. They have allowed me to play my natural game and never asked me to curb it. I have also been happy to play according to the team's need."
The Indian team will now enjoy a good rest before heading off to the West Indies, on May 11, where Dhoni will be hoping to continue working his magic with the willow.
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