Colombo: Mahendra Singh Dhoni has established himself in cricket’s shorter version, but his sights are set on the biggest league. The 24-year-old may not have been brilliant, but has certainly been effective since his debut in Chittagong last December. Dhoni, who should captain Jharkhand once the 2005-06 season gets underway at home, spoke to The Telegraph in his Taj Samudra room on Monday afternoon.

The following are excerpts

On his thoughts before his first tournament final

Tuesday’s match is going to be the biggest of my career... I’ve got to perform and anything I do will be noticed and talked about... It’s a one-off match and both teams start with a clean slate.

On whether the pressure is much more

Jyada to definitely hai... That Sri Lanka have an excellent record at home adds to the pressure... Yet, because of the one-off nature, the team making fewer mistakes has the best chance.

On his unbeaten 28 in Sunday’s virtual semi-final, against the West Indies, having made the difference

Taking guard at the end of the 45th over, I didn’t have much time... I took a few balls to settle and, then, went for the shots... At that stage, you’ve got to improvise and I did that reasonably well... Meri strategy kaam kar gayi... Did I plan a six off the last ball? I aimed for the maximum as Narsingh Deonarine isn’t a regular bowler...

On his performance in the first four matches of the tri-series

It has been so-so... Being asked to open in the first match (versus Sri Lanka) gave me the chance to bat for the maximum overs. However, I got out quickly... I ought to have made the most of that opportunity... Where my ’keeping is concerned, I’ve been improving.

On whether he has spoken to the most successful Test ’keeper, Ian Healy, who has been doing commentary

No... I was hoping we would be in the same hotel... Both in Dambulla and here, though, the commentators have been at different places.

[Dhoni, incidentally, idolises Adam Gilchrist.]

On what he has learnt most since his debut

The importance of the middle overs... While batting, one must score the most in that period; while bowling, concede the least. A team either gains or loses momentum in the middle overs.

On batting in different positions

(Laughs) It’s not easy, but the team comes first... My job is to put my best foot forward.

On the blistering 148 in Vizag (against Pakistan)

At the international level, confidence is everything and that innings lifted mine ten times... I don’t know whether I would have continued with Team India had I not got those runs... That innings ensured opportunities.

On whether he’s satisfied with his ’keeping

Not entirely... Of course, main improve kar raha hoon... I need to ’keep a lot more to Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh... In domestic cricket, one doesn’t get opportunities to ’keep to spinners of their class... The true test for a ’keeper is when he stands up.

On whether he’s thrilled about a particular dismissal

I haven’t done anything spectacular.

On whether he’s now more confident about getting a Test call-up

Absolutely... That the season has begun with a one-day tournament and the tour of Zimbabwe also starts with a one-day competition is to my advantage. It’s up to me to make the most of this ‘calender’... In time to come, I can either pat myself or blame myself.

On whether life has changed

Thoda bahut... It’s not that I’ve changed as a person, but I come from a place (Ranchi) which isn’t big and one easily gets noticed... Adulation is fine, but there are times when you don’t want to be held up because of a crowd... I continue to live in the Mecon Colony with my parents.

On the off season

I played in the P. Sen Trophy (in Calcutta) and, while at home, followed Greg King’s training schedule... My fitness has improved since I’ve been playing for India.

On whether he has recently bought something he yearned for

(Laughs again) A Yamaha 600cc machine... I’m obsessed with bikes... I can’t drive in Ranchi proper and, so, I’ve occasionally done 100 mph on the national highway...

Finally, on being credited with downing four litres of milk daily

I don’t know how that rumour spread... Even my parents have been mystified... I have about a litre each day... That’s the maximum.