Enjoying a rare break from cricket, MS Dhoni said he was happy for the young and up-coming Indian players who are gaining valuable experience during the ODI series in Zimbabwe and India A’s current tour of South Africa. The Indian captain said this experience will hold them in good stead when India visit the Rainbow nation for an all-important Test series later in the year.

"The exposure the boys are getting in Zimbabwe and South Africa will help them in the long run," Dhoni said. "It will help them when they take on a quality opposition like South Africa later this year. They have done really well and the experience will help them in adjusting to conditions better."

Dhoni was all praise for Virat Kohli, who, as a stand-in captain, led India to a 5-0 whitewash in Zimbabwe. "I think Virat did well in Zimbabwe. He is an expressive guy and that is important. He has changed a lot in the last one year and his approach is positive. His batting performance as captain is a good sign for Indian cricket.”

Dhoni’s time off as India captain will end with the home ODI series against Australia that begins on October 10. With the winter setting in and the dew factor coming into play at that time of the year, he believes the toss will play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the series.

"Around that time there will be a lot of dew, so it will be vital to win the toss. We will still try to give our best in the series," he said.