'I am never in a hurry': Dhoni

India captain MS Dhoni has given a rare insight into the thought processes behind his legendary feats at the back-end of limited-overs fixtures.

In a revealing interview with Channel Nine commentator Mark Nicholas for All Out Cricket, Dhoni was effusive in his explanation of exactly how he goes about his craft.

“The problem for the finisher is that, too often, there is not much else to come,” he said. “The big shot is not necessarily the best or smartest shot.

“What matters is staying in.

“I am never in a hurry.

“My aim is to leave it 'til the bowler and me are on level ground, i.e. to the point at which he is under as much pressure as me.

“Then we see who can handle it.

“And most crucially, to stay humble. Assume nothing. Each day is different. I always tell the team that today somebody will be a hero. You have the chance, go and take it.”

The 33-year-old also said Test cricket is his preferred format, with the demanding nature of the five-day game appealing to him most.

“The challenge of Test cricket is unmatched by anything else in my experience,” he said.

“I love the planning and the strategy, the requirements of patience and consistency and the chance of recovery.

“But I get bored playing on a dead pitch. (The recent drawn first Test against England at) Trent Bridge was one of those, to play and to watch.

“Pitches should have their indigenous qualities exaggerated; spin in India, pace and bounce in Australia, seam and swing in England.

“To survive in the modern era, the game needs results, not draws.”

With his World Cup title defence less than six months away, India’s captain also underlined the importance of both the tournament and one-day game is to world cricket.

“It bridges the gap,” he explained. “Test cricket and T20 are too far apart; 50-overs is an important format.”