Dhoni backs selectors' decision to rest seniors for New Zealand ODIs

India's limited overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Saturday backed the national selectors decision to rest senior cricketers like Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami and Ravindra Jadeja for the One-Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand, starting on Sunday.

Dhoni said that it is good to keep the players fresh as it would provide an opportunity to test the team's bench strength.

"At times you need to look at future schedules. We are playing 13 Test matches this season, after that IPL followed by Champions Trophy. As such there is no big break in the middle. So I think it's a good decision. At times you have to look at the long-term things," Dhoni said on the eve of the first ODI against the Kiwis here.

"We also get an opportunity to test other players and see the bench strength. We are just playing eight ODIs this season. So whatever plans we have we can check them in these matches".

"I may bat slightly up the order now. This team will give me an opportunity to bat at the number that I am looking for. But still it will be quite low, not like a No.4 position," he said.

The skipper also said that he cannot make much changes in the playing eleven because of the pressure of expectations from the public.

"India is all about winning. Let's be frank people and the media only want Indian team to win. So at the end of the day it becomes difficult. If you rest Virat (Kohli) or Ajinkya (Rahane) then there will be questions what's really happening?

"So when you get an opportunity you try to make the most of it. But there are a few slots we are definitely looking forward to and there are a few individuals who we are really keen to see what they have to offer," Dhoni said.

The Ranchi stumper also revealed that he has started using Test skipper Virat Kohli's advice more on the field.

"I have already started using him (Kohli) more. If you witness a match you will see I have more interactions with him on the field," Dhoni added.

--IANS

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