MS Dhoni had the near perfect day for India last night, shifting gears a the right time to take India to a score of 180, and then inflicting two very smart dismissals with the gloves to ensure an Indian victory in the 1st T20.
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Dhoni came into bat at number 4 after a long time, as India had been experimenting a lot with that position in the recent past, with Karthik, Jadhav and Pandey having enjoyed a short stint at that position. But Rohit sent in Dhoni at 4 last night, and the move paid rich dividends, as Dhoni played a busy little innings to help India post an above average score on the board.
Critics for long have been calling for Dhoni’s head in the shortest format, as they feel that Dhoni isn’t able to play at a very quick pace these days.
VVS Laxman was one of those who had questioned Dhoni’s place in India’s T20 setup, but had to eat his words yesterday, as Dhoni put up one of the most complete performances of his T20 career.
In the post-match show on ‘Star Sports’, VVS Laxman and Russel Arnold spoke about the virtual importance of MS Dhoni on the field.
According to the former Sri Lankan Arnold, MS Dhoni is unique. MS Dhoni knows what’s the best way of finishing off things be it with the bat or behind the stumps.
Russel Arnold also added that MS Dhoni has the best cricketing brain as he reads the batsman quite well. This is how he advises the bowlers so much when they are operating on the field
“Dhoni has got his own style. If you watch his style, you wouldn’t think he is safe. But he knows how to catch a ball, his reflexes are good.
He knows where the stumps are, he gets the bails off in a flash. He is an amazing cricketer. He knows their [bowlers’] minds inside out.
MS [Dhoni] is good at reading the batsman as well. He generally tries to give a cue to the bowler about changing the line or pace. The bowlers tend to trust him.
There is a great understanding between the bowler and the keeper, which is doing wonders for India,” Russel Arnold echoed.
According to Laxman, MS Dhoni is an ‘invaluable asset to Indian cricket’. He said that the chemistry between the keeper and the bowler in the T20 format is important and in this case, MS Dhoni has by far lived up to the reputation of being the bowler’s captain.
“The rapport between the keeper and the bowler is very important, especially in T20 format. MS has always been a bowler’s captain.
He has the best vision from behind the stumps. The way he educates the bowler is impressive. That’s why he is an invaluable asset to Indian cricket,” VVS Laxman said.
