MS Dhoni speaks about his Man of the Match performance in the 3rd ODI

MS Dhoni dished out a gritty knock last night, soaking in all the pressure initially and then launching during the last 10 to take India to a competitive score of 251 on a rather two-paced wicket.

Dhoni’s approach to batting has changed big time in the last few years. The flamboyant, long haired, attacking batsman has made way for the calmer, subdued and calculative batsman.

Dhoni hasn’t really spent a lot of time in the middle in the last few years, as the Indian top order has been getting the job done on most occasions. Dhoni has often been given the job of knocking off the last few runs or upping the ante while setting a score. And thus he was happy to contribute in a big way on a difficult track last night.

When asked about how he was getting better with age, Dhoni came up with a characteristic witty reply: “It’s like wine”.

“Our top-order has been doing the bulk of the scoring in the last one-one and a half years, so it felt good to get an opportunity and score runs.”

“I think it was the nature of the wicket (what made the knock special). There was variable bounce and at times the pace. It was important to have a partnership at that stage. In my mind, I had 250, and we got there, with Kedar batting with me at the end. It was something the bowlers could defend, but they had to bowl well.” he added.

Dhoni was also all praise for Kuldeep, saying that he is improving and that he’ll have to use his variety wisely in the international circuit.

“It’s important (to guide spinners). Kuldeep has played a lot of games in IPL but when it comes to international cricket, it’s important to know where to use your variety. Once he plays 5-10 games, he will realise it himself. The good thing is, compared to the last game, he bowled very well today.”

India play their next game on the 2nd of July in Antigua.