MS Dhoni bats in nets ahead of 5th ODI: The Indian wicket-keeper batsman was seen preparing hard ahead of the last ODI.
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Former India captain and current wicket-keeper batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni was witnessed batting in the nets ahead of the fifth ODI against New Zealand at Wellington. In the video posted by ESPNcricinfo on social media platform Twitter, it has come as a source of respite for Dhoni’s multitude fans.
In the video, the veteran cricketer is seen gearing up for his stint in the nets. Playing against spinners, Dhoni looks comfortable playing leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and part-time spinner Shubman Gill.
It was India Batting Coach Sanjay Bangar, who confirmed in the morning during the pre-match press conference about Dhoni regaining fitness and being available for the fifth ODI. The 37-year old cricketer had missed the last two matches due to a hamstring strain.
ALSO READ: James Neesham admits MS Dhoni being a ‘big focus’ ahead of fifth ODI.
Coming on the back of a worst year in ODIs (in terms of number of runs), Dhoni has scored 241 runs in five matches this year. The fact that his runs have come at an average of 241 an a strike rate of 81.14 and include three half-centuries speak highly about Dhoni regaining form ahead of the all important ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
After being declared as the ‘Man of the series’ for scoring 193 runs in three matches at an average of 193 and a strike rate of 73.10 including three half-centuries, Dhoni seems to have left behind a ‘poor’ 2018.
Having last won it in 2011, it has taken Dhoni more than seven years to win another such award. With India being dismissed for 92 in the fourth ODI at Hamilton, the team management will be counting on Dhoni’s experience ahead of the last match.
Watch the full video of Dhoni’s batting below:
Read some of the Twitter reactions on Dhoni’s batting video below:
