MS Dhoni cannon-balls the otherwise tepid Champions League T20

MS Dhoni

In an otherwise dull Champions League T20, MS Dhoni’s sensational batting has created fireworks. This was a display full of skill, zeal and happiness of playing on his home ground in his distinct style.

Otherwise, the overall scenario of Indian sports has not been so favourable recently, with Somdev eliminated from Malaysian Open, a quick ouster of all shuttlers from Japan Open in badminton, losing in the Asia cup hockey final and a defeat in final of SAFF Football Championships.

But Dhoni’s smashing batting came as a joyous experience. He has once again proved that he is really different. It is a delight to see him performing beyond expectations. I think he is going to be the best captain ever.

Except for the brilliant bowling of Dale Steyn, Dhoni was seemingly in a net practice session. This particular innings reminds the fans of the batting of oldies like Salim Durrani and Sandeep Patil. The best part of Dhoni’s outstanding batting was his aggression and fearless strokeplay covering all directions. He even mishit a six towards third man – a very unusual sight.

The way he utilized his footwork – especially converting full tosses into straight sixes – was fun to watch. MS Dhoni was playing so confidently that the fielders looked almost helpless.

In fact, there wasn’t much they could do except keeping their eyes on the ball flying straight out of the boundary ropes. However, it was a bounty for the spectators who got four-times worth of the money spent!

It was sheer madness, but the end result of an unbeaten 63 runs off just 19 balls is narrating the story of his form. As one of my friend rightfully exclaimed: “Alas, had there been 12 more balls to play, he would have perhaps made a new record.”

Whatever people might say about the long-running domination of Chennai Super Kings, it is MS Dhoni’s wonderful contribution that makes them the strongest contenders in all events – be it IPL or Champions League. Many a times people give credit to the captaincy of MS Dhoni, but his ability to strike and strike good in the need of the hour is what makes him a real star of the game.