Rahul Dravid may be going through a difficult phase with the bat but the middle-order batsman still has the support of captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who feels the former skipper will break free from the prolonged bad patch in the Test series against England.
"As of now, he has been shaping up well and he had time to go home in between. Talent wise we all know Dravid's capabilities and he needs to focus now. He is one of the most committed cricketers you see around and definitely he will get into good scores in this series and make a headway," Dhoni said in Chennai on Wednesday.
Enquired if the senior batsman would be asked to bat lower in the order, Dhoni said, "You will get to know during the game. I do not really disclose the plans."
According to him, winning the two-match series against England is important as the team wants to end a successful year on a winning note.
"We had a good run in all formats whether it is Tests or one-dayers or T20 format. And we want to end up with a good result in this series as well," he said.
Dhoni sought the same intensity from his team-mates which they showed against Australia and said they need to play their aggressive brand of cricket.
"Of course, we need to be at the same level. It does not matter which opposition you are playing. In international cricket you have to be aggressive and be controlled at the same time.
"The focus is on execution of our plans to our potential. Then, we will have the chances of doing well. Of course, the intensity will be well up," he said.
Asked about the England attack, Dhoni refused to underestimate the visitors but insisted he is thinking more about India's strength and weaknesses.
"They are a better bowling side. But we are in good nick and we have the basics right. Preparation and plans that we got and our execution have been really good.
"We focus on that rather than thinking about oppositions bowling attack. It is important to set some plans to tackle the bowlers. We do not have any injury worries and will announce our eleven tomorrow," he said.
Dhoni has pledged his match fees for the victims of the Mumbai terror attacks. Asked about the donation, Dhoni said, "I do not believe in speaking too much. Actions speak louder than words. Whatever we need to do we will do as a team or individual."
Following the terror attacks, a heavy blanket of security has been thrown around the series but Dhoni doesn't see it as a distraction.
"We do not have any control over it. What are in our hands is to be calm and composed and look into the areas of playing cricket. What we are planning to do in the series is important for us. They are around to help us. It does not really bother us too much," he said.
On the team composition for the first Test in Chennai starting on Thursday, Dhoni said, "We have not decided about it. Predictions apart, Chennai wicket always provide some bounce for the fast bowlers. As the match progresses, spinners also get some assistance. In fact when it turns it also bounces a bit for spinners."
