"To be honest, I never dreamt of playing for India. I just played the game for the love of it. So just to play for India was like a good fairy tale. And it still continues," Dhoni told PTI here.

"It's more special because I'm just three years old in international cricket. Now, it's important to go out and lead from the front.

"It's a great honour and a privilege to be leading the country and I'll strive hard to measure up to the expectations of the people back home." The 26-year-old Ranchi-born player, who has caught the imagination of the country with his big hitting and long locks, owed his success to the best wishes of the people of his native state.

"Five years back, no one from Jharkhand would even have imagined that someone from their state would be privileged to don the India cap. So to have not only played for India but also be given the honour of leading the country, I think, is a historic day for Jharkhand," he said.

"I hope it will inspire young cricketers all over Jharkhand to dream big and pursue them with a lot of determination and hard work."