In a surprise for Mahendra Singh Dhoni, it was not the booting out of Sreesanth from India's World Cup squad that he was forced to defend, instead it was the picking of Piyush Chawla that created a huge controversy. MS Dhoni first said that Chawla's inclusion in India's 15-man World Cup squad was good as the legspinner's presence provides variety to the attack. But feeling that this was not enough to deflect criticism, Dhoni went on to add that: "It is good to have Piyush in the side as he provides that variety to the attack. He is one guy who can bat a bit. He has scored decent runs in Ranji and also while playing in County circuit. If we plan to play with five bowlers, then he can be a handy number seven or eight batsman," Dhoni said on the eve of India's third ODI against South Africa here. Aside from his skipper, no one has ever praised Chawla's capabilities as an all-rounder. It may be noted that Dhoni did not exactly praise Chawla's bowling skills to the sky. Chawla was a surprise inclusion in the squad, announced by the Kris Srikkanth-led selection committee in Chennai. Chawla has been picked despite not playing a one-dayer since July 2008, and Dhoni was aware of that. Finally, looking to finish off the controversy as soon as possible, Dhoni said, "I would always say that playing in first class match or IPL match and playing in the international match is different. Piyush needs that international match practice," the India skipper said.
On the the wicket and toss, he said, "I think the ball does a bit under lights, so toss will be crucial. But honestly speaking, I don't know the exact scientific reason as why the ball does a bit under lights. It may be because of not having natural sunlight, or it could be because of sea breeze. "Even spinners can play major role. If we win the toss and they have to bat second, then they might not be that affected. If we bat second, then facing their fast bowlers under lights will be a huge challenge. South African bowlers become a bit more effective if they are bowling under lights," Dhoni said. Asked about Parthiv Patel's selection for the current series, Dhoni said, "It depends on the situation of the series. I would love to get rest from one match. But it depends on the situation."
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