Despite not being in his prime, MS Dhoni finished off yet another chase during the third ODI against Australia at Adelaide to help India claim a historic series win.
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar explained how Dhoni manages to remain on top of his game despite his physical abilities fading away with growing age. The former Indian cricketer pointed that the veteran wicket-keeper’s ability to take the game deep is what works for him well and helps him get on the bowler’s nerves before launching at him.
“(Dhoni is) clearly not at his prime… The software – his intention, his mind is still at its prime. He knows exactly what is needed. The hardware is not quite keeping in touch with the software. The hardware was a lot better 5-10 years back. He would hit sixes at will… he doesn’t have that ability or the confidence now but he finds ways to stay there till the end,” Manjrekar told Sony Six on Friday.
“He (Dhoni) mentioned in the post-match presentation as well the calculations as to which bowler to go after and take the match deep. His great philosophy the one that has made him and all-time great is “stay there till the end”. I remember Javed Miandad also had a similar strategy take the match till the end and feed off the nervous energy of the bowler,” he added.
He finished as the highest run-getter in the series for the Men in Blue with 193 runs from three games at a staggering average of 193.00. His performances further affirmed his World Cup credentials and he will be now aiming to continue his fine form in the upcoming series against New Zealand.
