Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar reveals the reason how MS Dhoni evolved as the greatest finisher in cricket. MS Dhoni-led the Indian cricket team and bags all three ICC trophies and becomes the only skipper to do so. Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15, 2020.
Though MSD retires from the international format still he is considered as the best finisher and also one of the best players to strike in the death overs.
MS Dhoni – The Best Finisher
MS Dhoni would take his time, calculate meticulously how to go about it, and would then explode with some big hits to put the opponents under pressure. This tactic was used brilliantly from 2011 to 2015 while in the IPL, MS Dhoni showed his genius on many occasions.
Speaking on the show Star Sports Selector’s Dugout, former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has revealed how MS Dhoni became one of the best finishers. It involved a thigh pad, some scribbling, and some calculations.
Sanjay Bangar reveals the reason
On the show, Bangar revealed, “I came to know recently as to how – in his formative years because he is such a hitter of the ball, has that natural ability to clear – Dhoni curbed his natural instinct. He used to write on his thigh pad – 1, 2 – Tick Tick, and 4, 6 – Cross Cross.
So, every time he would go out to bat, and he’d be putting on his thigh pad, he’d probably have a look at that. It would remind him that he has to follow a process. And that is how by running those one and two he became such a great finisher,” Bangar said.
Bangar compares Dhoni with Michael Bevan
Bangar compared Dhoni with the Australian legend Michael Bevan who plays a crucial role in Australian cricket history. During the 90s period, his calmness under pressure played a big role in Australia getting over the line in pressure situations. Bangar said Dhoni and Bevan had achieved success because they followed a process and it was not about big-hitting.
“Most finishers in world cricket have realised the importance of singles, doubles. You look at Michael Bevan, look at MS Dhoni. They have this thing in common, which helps them win cricket matches. It’s not those fours and sixes. And that is the process that MS Dhoni follows,” Bangar said.
Also Read: Justin Langer Praises MS Dhoni as best ‘White-ball finisher’
