Mahendra Singh Dhoni praised swashbuckling opener Virender Sehwag saying that he has a distinct mindset which makes him remain positive even when he is going through a lean patch. Dhoni also praised Sehwag for his attacking stroke play. The Mumbai Test match will be Sehwag's 100th Test match for India.

"The crucial decision that he made in his career was when he decided that he will open the innings. I think that was a big challenge for him but he accepted it. His stats are one of the best stats that you can see. He is someone who is very different to a lot of individuals. His thinking is entirely different. How he takes up or faces a particular kind of challenge is very different," Dhoni said.

Dhoni said that Sehwag plays an important role for the team, “He has got a very important role right from the very start. He is someone who can play shots right from the very first delivery, which means if the bowler is off target, he looks to put pressure on the bowler. We have seen once the batsmen get after the bowlers and if they score a few boundaries off the bowler, then it is very difficult for them to get back into the game,” Dhoni said.

Dhoni said that its Sehwag’s mindset that makes him so special, “When you talk about the mindset, that is why he is so special. Whether he is in form or not in form, it does not really bother him. He just keeps thinking positive. He was working a lot on his batting but still his approach remained the same,” he said.

“His role is very crucial, not to forget the experience that he has got playing in all the formats and also the fact that he still can get us a few wickets. We have not been using him too much in the bowling department but is still someone who can get us a few breakthroughs,” Dhoni added.

Dhoni praised Sehwag’s style of playing and said that people need more time to understand his mindset. “He is very positive and he backs his stint and looks forward to score runs. It doesn`t matter whether the wicket is seaming or turning or doing anything. He goes in with one purpose and that is to score runs. You need a bit more time to understand him. All the players who have played with him and shared the dressing room with realise the fact that his mindset is completely different from maybe all the cricketers around the world,” said the Indian skipper.

By Indian Sports News Network