India's wicketkeeper-batsman M S Dhoni said on Sunday that he felt greatly motivated after being praised by new coach Greg Chappell.
"When a cricketing legend like him says good things about me, that definitely increases my motivation. I feel enthused, I now have to score more runs both in domestic and international cricket to justify his comments," Dhoni told reporters after a practice session in Kolkata.
Chappell during his presentation to the BCCI on Indian cricketers had praised Dhoni's aggressive batting and described him as a future potential.
When asked to comment on reports that his name was being considered as a probable opener in the absence of the injured Sachin Tendulkar and the banned skipper Sourav Ganguly, Dhoni said "I have heard about it. If I do get such an opportunity it will be great. It will be a new experience".
Dhoni said he considered himself as a stroke player and not a pinch-hitter. "Please do not call me a pinch-hitter. I consider myself a stroke player".
Dhoni said despite the aggressive element in his batting he was now concentrating on rotating the strike.
