Auckland: Mahendra Singh Dhoni has received rich praise for his captaincy so far in the World Cup but he feels it is the performance of his bowlers that makes him look like a commanding leader.

Since spinners were in operation for 30 overs against Ireland, Dhoni was asked at the post-match media conference if he is at his best as a captain when he is experimenting with his bowling options. He smiled and gave a swift reply. "No, I am best when the bowlers are bowling well," he said. He then went on to explain why it makes a captain's job easier when you have a plan.