India v New Zealand, 3rd ODI, Mohali: Dhoni batting up the order good for India, says Mishra

MOHALI: Questions around MS Dhoni's uncharacteristically silent bat may be growing but young batsmen in the Indian team are relishing batting with the skipper, says Amit Mishra.
Dhoni has of late pushed himself up the order, which has brought a change in his approach to batting with more overs available to play. While some consider it counter-productive, the skipper is fulfilling the team's requirement at No.5 in the absence of fever-struck Suresh Raina. Dhoni these days looks to manoeuver the game with ones and twos and take it close, especially while chasing, before bringing out his big shots. But on occasions, it has cost the team ­ like in the second ODI against New Zealand where his 39 off 65 balls left it a touch too late and India lost by six runs despite a cameo from Hardik Pandya. But team's legspinner Mishra has a different view, one that according to him will serve India well for the future.
"It's actually good for us that Dhoni is batting up the order," Mishra told reporters a day before the third ODI here at the IS Bindra PCA Stadium on Sunday. "When the young batsmen get to play with him, they are being prepared for different situations they will face in future," he added.
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Mishra, one of the team's senior players now, also praised the work ethics of coach Anil Kumble.
"His experience is benefiting us a lot. He tells how to be mentally strong even when you are not playing, how to improve your skills. He is always positive."
Belonging to the same ilk as leg-spin legend Kumble, Mishra said the coach guides him on how to tailor your skills according to the situation.
"Anil bhai helps me a lot. He says technique is not always the issue; it's also about the mind set. When I was sitting out during the Test matches, he always told me what kind of bowling to do on different wickets, at what pace and what fields to set according to batsman's strengths," he said.
India are building up a young bowling attack, but Mishra said it is making all the right moves.
"Considering our young attack, I think we are bowling pretty well and getting wickets whenever the team needs it, creating pressure. No doubt sometimes strategies don't come off but the second line of defence is working well. There is always room for improvement, though," he said.
When asked if his lower-order batting has gone down from the days when he started, Mishra promised improvement. "From the next time, I will take my time and prove myself."