MS Dhoni turns 33 today. While he has enthralled one and all with his aggressive batting, he has also proved that it doesnt need the best technique to survive in international cricket. Cutting across various formats, here are what we think are his best 5 innings. MS Dhoni slammed a superb 183 against Sri Lanka in 2005, his highest ODI score. © Agencies 183* v Sri Lanka at Jaipur in 2005: Dhoni became a familiar name among the Indian fans with his long hair and the swagger in which he came to the crease. He was also known for his powerful hitting which he showcased when he scored a belligerent 148 against Pakistan in only his fourth innings. That was the first time he was sent to bat at No.3 and he made full use of the opportunity. After that knock, he was often promoted up the order when quick runs were needed. One such instances was against Sri Lanka at Jaipur. The visitors had put up a massive total on the board, 298. Dhoni went in at No.3 after the fall of Sachins wicket and took the bowling apart. There were 15 fours and 10 sixes hit and he saw India home with nearly 4 overs to spare. This innings defined MSD the finisher, which he has been known for. Dhoni proved he is not just a dasher as he accumulated a patient unbeaten 76 to save India at Lords in 2007. India went on to win the series 1-0. © Getty 76* v England at Lords in 2007: They say that the first match of a series always sets the tone for the rest of the games. India were starting a long English summer with a Test at Lords. After being bundled out for 201 in the first innings, the visitors were set a target of 380 with nearly 5 sessions left. At the end of Day 4, India were 137/3 and had an entire day to bat out a draw. Dhoni came in very early on the 5th Day as India lost Ganguly and Karthik in quick succession. He then went onto bat for more than 3 hours and remained unbeaten before the rain Gods intervened. This knock showed the other side to Dhonis batting, i.e. the patience and maturity with which he played. MS Dhoni made an attractive 132 to help India level the series against South Africa at home in 2010. © Agencies 132* v South Africa at Kolkata in 2010: India had achieved the No.1 Test ranking the previous year and were in danger of losing it at the start of this Test, since they had lost the first game of the 2-match series. The bowlers did well to restrict the Proteas to 296 after Amla and Petersen scored tons. Indias batting was based on two partnerships, first Sehwag and Sachin, second Laxman and Dhoni. Having already taken the lead, the hosts wanted someone to consolidate their position and who better to do it than MSD. He walked in when the score was 384 and played an attack innings, along with Laxman he forged a 259-run stand for the 7th wicket and gave India a massive lead of 347. That knock helped India level the series and retain their No.1 position for some more time. A captains knock from MS Dhoni steered India to its second World Cup title triumph, their first in 28 years. © Getty 91* v Sri Lanka at Mumbai in 2011: The finals of the World Cup, the occasion does not get bigger than that. There were plenty of expectations as India were playing at home and had not won a World Cup in 28 years. Jayawardenes magnificent hundred helped Sri Lanka post 274. Dhoni, who had been subdued throughout the tournament rose to the occasion. He promoted himself ahead of the in-form of Yuvraj Singh and played one of the best knocks in a World Cup final. Coming in at 114/3, he batted aggressively and didnt allow any bowler to dictate terms. The winning runs also came from his bat with a typical Dhoni finish, i.e. with a six. That shot has been etched into the memories of millions of Indians so too is the knock for which he won the man of the match award. Dhoni made his first double century to lead the Indian charge against Australia in 2013. India won the series by a 4-0 margin. © BCCI 224 v Australia at Chennai in 2013: Having lost the home series against England just a few months back, question marks were being raised for Dhoni, the captain and the best way to answer your critics is by leading from the front. That is what Dhoni did in the first Test at Chennai. Clarke led the Australian batting charge and helped his team post a competitive first innings total of 380. India were in a spot of bother when Dhoni walked in but his arrival bought a new lease of life to the Indian innings. The skipper counter-attacked and played some delightful strokes on a pitch that was turning square. He got to his first double hundred in Tests and helped India take a big first innings lead. The innings set the tone for the series which the hosts went onto win 4-0.
Posted on: Mon, 07 Jul 2014 13:24:08 +0000
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