MS Dhoni's batting spot depends on situations, says Anil Kumble

MSu00c3u0083u00c2u00a2u00c3u0082u00c2u0080u00c3u0082u00c2u0088Dhoni (left) interacts with head coach Anil Kumble during a training session at the Kotla in New Delhi yesterday. Pic/AFP

MSâÂu00c2u0080Âu00c2u0088Dhoni (left) interacts with head coach Anil Kumble during a training session at the Kotla in New Delhi yesterday. Pic/AFP

New Delhi: Mahendra Singh Dhoni's decision to bat at No. 5 in the first ODI at Dharamasala raised questions about his ability as a finisher and his preference to bat higher in the order, but head coach Anil Kumble made it clear that the veteran skipper was experienced enough to deal with any situation and keeping flexibility in mind, "the batting order would depend on match situations."

Asked if Dhoni would bat up the order keeping in mind India's Champions Trophy defence in England next June, Kumble said: "It all depends on match situations. While chasing you need more experience. As far as MS is concerned, he has enough experience. He has shown over the years that he has enough capabilities as a batsman. "We don't need to really look close at giving him time to settle in. You will probably see a different batting order depending on different situations," the head coach said as regards to Dhoni's batting position in the upcoming ODIs.

There has been speculation in the media that Dhoni would prefer to guide the innings in the middle order and set up a win, rather than play the role of a finisher. With Dhoni's diminishing ability to hit the ball out of the park, he would rather settle down in a different role to guide younger players during middle overs. Kumble, however, gave no indication of the team think-tank being on the same page as Dhoni. That answer would probably come during the remaining four matches in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand.