New Delhi, Dec 27 (IANS) India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni Sunday said that in the forthcoming year the team will play more than four proposed Test matches that may help them to retain their No.1 rankings.
Next year, India are scheduled to play two Tests in Bangladesh and talks are on to host South Africa for two Tests in February. With four Tests in the calendar year, it is going to be tough for India to stay at the No.1 spot.

“I am not till now sure how many Test matches we will play but we will certainly play more than four as there are some proposed matches. I am sure we can hold on to our No.1 spot. The Future Tours Programme (FTP) has been designed after lot of consultations and if an unscheduled series is organised between two tours it becomes difficult for players,” said Dhoni, after receiving the ICC Test championship mace from the world body’s chief executive Haroon Lorgat.

Lorgat, a South African, said that the FTP depends upon the member countries and the ICC guideline only ask member nations to play certain number of Tests over a certain period of time.

“But if the Test series between India and South Africa comes through it will be great to see a fascinating contest between the two top teams in the world,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dhoni also said that the fast bowling was a concern, buthe was happy with the fielding in the Tests.

“Fast bowling is bit of a concern. Ishant’s (Sharma) form has dipped off late. He is going through a transition phase where he will learn. If you are a fast bowler in the sub-continent, it is not a big area of concern.

“But when Ishant was out Sreesanth stepped in and performed well. It was also good to see our fielding standards improving in the Tests but we have to work hard in the ODIs,” he said.

Recalling his journey while leading India to the No.1 spot, Dhoni said: “We focused on improving the atmosphere in the dressing room. Players were allowed to perform freely. In India everybody wants you to win, but it is a difficult task. But we have done well over a period of time and it was a total team effort.”