Rohit Sharma most god-gifted talent around: M S Dhoni

He said it was difficult for Rohit to get a place in the middle order as others were doing well and the opener's slot was the only vacant one for him because of injury to some players.

"If you look at it positively, it was a challenge that was thrown on to him and he accepted it because he knew it would be difficult for him right now to get a place at 5, 6, 7. Virat is doing well really well at 3 and then you have Yuvraj and other batsmen who are doing quite well. So the only opportunity was to open," said Dhoni.

"I am glad he accepted it because he wanted to spend some time at the top level, he was desperate to perform for India and I think it is a very good sign for him. I was really happy for him, he can really contribute. A bit of work on his off-spin bowling, he can be a good contributor to the side."

Dhoni left options open when asked if he would take rest in the next game at Dharamsala on January 27 as he was hit on his thumb during parctice prior to the match.

"We will see. Since the press conference was so close I did not have a chance to speak to the selectors. It is definitely an opportunity but we will see. I can't really

confirm anything now," he said.

Asked about the condition of his thumb, he said, "It's alright as of now. I didn't do the X-ray because I had to play this game. It went off well, I didn't get many hits there so overall quite happy that it was not painful as it could have been. Overall happy with the performance of the team, so that really helps."

... contd.

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