New Delhi, March 9: India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Wednesday said that he was a big fan of all-rounder Yuvraj Singh whose bowling helped create balance in the Indian side consisting of four regular bowlers in the playing XI.

Dhoni believed that Yuvraj, Yusuf Pathan and he himself were the floaters in the batting line-up who could bat at any number given the match situation. He pointed that Virat Kohli was the one who needed to bat at the top of the order in order to realise his full potential.

Excerpts from the media interaction.

On Yuvraj Singh

Well, I am a big fan of Yuvraj Singh. He bats at No. 4 and can change his game according to the demands of the match. At the same time he can play defensive cricket. His bowling is a big asset because we play with four bowlers and he fits in the job of the fifth bowler which I think he is doing right now brilliantly.

On Virat Kohli

Virat [Kohli] is the only batsman who more often than not needs to be batting at No. 3 or No. 4. Apart from that, when it comes to me, Yuvraj and Yusuf Pathan, the rest of us can float around and bat according to the demand. Virat needs to bat at the top of the order so that he performs to his potential.

On the kind of contest expected against the Netherlands

Well, there is an easy game that is left. It has been good so far. We saw a tight game, a close game and a good victory so far. So overall we have shown signs of improvement over the period of time in all departments. One has to be ready for everything apart from the toss where you have to make a decision whether it is heads or tails. You can have your initial plans but it is good to react to the match situation and whatever is thrown at you.

On player fitness

As of now everyone is available for selection.

On his teammates

One good thing so far is that most of the batsmen have got a chance to play. We have featured bowlers and it is always good to see what [resources] you have. But still, the important thing is to win each and every game.

On the areas of improvement

We would like to improve our bowling. Especially how to set up batsmen and get them out. On how to put pressure on that particular batman so that you force him to play a big shot and eventually get him out.

On the team’s ground fielding

A lot has been talked about our fielding but throughout the tournament the fielding will be quite the same. I don’t see a drastic improvement in our fielding. When it comes to batting, if we can be a bit more consistent, that is if after a good start, we can make it big.

On the match against Ireland

We were under a bit of pressure against the Ireland side which happens in international cricket. I think the batsmen did a really good job to bat us out of that situation.

On the team’s approach to the tournament

It is a fairly long tournament and to peak at the right time is important. You cannot afford a bad game once you reach the knockout stage. It is important for everyone to be in good form and it is equally important that we carry that form till the end of the tournament.