Stats: MS Dhoni as captain batting or fielding first in all international formats

MS Dhoni, captain of India

Indian captain MS Dhoni has preferred to bowl first, home or away, in the 7 years he has been the skipper. Let’s review the stats, and find out whether the tactic has actualy borne any fruit.

Below is the graphic illlustrating the times India has chased in an international match. In the 54 matches played away from home, India has won only 20, and lost 27, resulting in a win loss ratio of less than 1. At home however, the strategy has worked, winning almost 3 games for every game lost. It’s safe to say, India are poor chasers away from home.

On the other hand, below are figures when India has batted first. MS Dhoni seems to have more success batting first away from home, with a higher win loss ratio of 0.95 as compared 0.74 fielding first. However, batting first at home is a different kettle of fish. India have won far fewer games batting first at home than fielding first.

If statistics are any indication, MS Dhoni must opt to bat first away from home, while field first at home.

*Stats as on 18 February, 2014