The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Country and Tests first priority, says Dhoni

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Country and Tests first priority, says Dhoni

Principal Correspondent

— Photo: K.R. Deepak

PATRIOTIC: The Indian captain M.S. Dhoni has said that playing for the country is paramount in his scheme of things.

Kanpur: M.S. Dhoni made it clear that he would never compromise his desire of playing for the Nation. “Country comes first and a Test match is more important any day. There is no doubt over me playing the first Test (against England at Ahmedabad from December 11),” Dhoni said here on Wednesday.

The Indian captain was responding to a query on whether he is comfortable with the first Test commencing as per schedule as it would affect his chances of playing the Champions Twenty20 League final on December 10, if Chennai Super Kings qualifies.

It may be recalled that secret discussions were on between the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the England and Wales Cricket Board to postpone the start of the first Test by a day to December 12.

However the BCCI vice-president Lalit Modi later declared that the match would be held as per schedule.

Meanwhile, Dhoni also said that players were bound to opt for rest at times because of the tight schedule.

“I opted out of the Test series in Sri Lanka then because I had played a lot and I was worried about getting injured.

“I think you will see more players opting out in the future. It is up to the player to decide how much his body can take. The BCCI has also been kind to us and has an open heart about this issue,” Dhoni said.

Dhoni said that the money involved in the Indian Premier League and the Champions Twenty20 League, did not influence players.

“It is about playing for the country and not about the money. Ultimately it is about what you want to do in life.

“If you play for India for three to four years, you will make enough money but if you want to have your own aeroplane then even 12 years won’t be enough.” Dhoni said.

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