For Mahendra Singh Dhoni, test now is the ODIs

By Chetan Narula

Back at the helm after retiring from Tests, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is looking at an encore when India start their World Cup defence next month.

"We would definitely like to repeat our performance from 2011. But the change in conditions will be a factor and we will have to play accordingly," Dhoni said at the launch of the team's new ODI kit.

The Indian captain though did not answer questions on his retirement, and that with a grin.

"It has been good, a few days off," was his only reply to a question on life after Test retirement, the closest that anybody could get on asking him about it. Rest of the queries were unanswered. But, he was open to questions on the upcoming World Cup.

"The Melbourne Cricket Ground is one of the best venues in world cricket, irrespective of the format. We will aim to do better than we have done in ODI format over the last couple of years and hopefully we will be back to play the World Cup final on March 29," he added.

"Irrespective of what sport you play, it is always a blessing to represent India on the international stage. Cricket is a little tougher back home and only a few people get to wear these colours.

So it is good to be here and donning this jersey again," he added. India's first tri-series match is on Sunday at Melbourne against Australia. In the World Cup, Dhoni's men will start their campaign against.