5 Most underrated knocks by MS Dhoni in international cricket

#3 Dhoni's 92 against Australia at Mohali, 2008

MS Dhoni bludgeoned the Australian bowlers into submission at Mohali (Credits: Cricket Country)

In 2008, India had begun exploring split captaincy, with Anil Kumble heading the Test outfit and Dhoni being handed over the reins in white-ball cricket. An unfortunate injury to Kumble before the Mohali Test in 2008 threw a spanner in those works, with Dhoni and his ability to skipper a Test team being cast under the scanner in the harshest of circumstances – against a full-strength Australian side.

However, that barely evoked a changed reaction from Dhoni, who casually picked up the Player of the Match award and set the stage for a historic series victory against Australia.

India navigated their way to relative safety in the first innings, with the scoreboard reading 326/6 post Ishant Sharma’s dismissal. However, against an outfit of Australia’s ilk, which comprised batters such as Matthew Hayden, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey and Ricky Ponting, India needed a bit of oomph to establish a position of ascendancy.

As had become the norm, that thrust was provided by Dhoni, who waltzed to the centre and bludgeoned the Australian attack into submission. The Indian captain clattered 8 fours and 4 sixes en route a 92-run knock, which only came off 124 deliveries.

He was particularly severe on Cameron White and Peter Siddle. And, by the time he was done, only two results seemed possible – an Indian victory or a draw.

Dhoni followed it up with another belligerent innings second time out – something that allowed the Indians to keep their foot on the Australians’ throats.

India won the game comfortably and repeated the feat at Nagpur under Dhoni’s captaincy, meaning that they scripted a 2-0 series victory. And, just like that, Dhoni – the Test skipper had announced himself on the international stage.

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#2 Dhoni's 45 against South Africa at the 2007 ICC World T20, Durban

Dhoni hustled and bustled his way to another match-winning contribution

The 2007 ICC World T20 was always looked upon by India as a breeding ground for youngsters that would represent the country in the near future. None of the established order, namely Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar or Sourav Ganguly made the trip to the rainbow nation, meaning that Dhoni was entrusted with the responsibility of leading the side.

The Indians began fairly well and their journey was adorned by an enthralling victory against Pakistan in the group stages. In the Super Eight round though, their character was tested to the hilt, especially after they went down to New Zealand.

Against England, Yuvraj Singh wrote himself into the history books courtesy of his six sixes and single-handedly propelled India to a wing.

Against South Africa though, India weren’t able to avail Yuvraj’s services, meaning that the onus was on Dhoni. To add to the Men In Blue’s troubles, they were dented early, with South Africa’s bowlers enjoying themselves.

This time, Dhoni sought company in Rohit Sharma – a youngster who had made his debut at the tournament and one who had been touted for greatness. At first, runs were hard to come by but as the game progressed, both batters found their groove.

Dhoni showcased excellent temperament to absorb the initial pressure and shepherd the Indians to a situation where they could unveil their entire repertoire of strokes. The ploy worked to a tee, with Dhoni’s innings of 45 ensuring that Rohit crafted a well-complied fifty and in turn, India reached a score that would challenge the South Africans.

Thereafter, RP Singh wreaked havoc and blew the hosts out of the water. So much so that South Africa, who only needed to register a tight defeat to qualify for the semi-final, were dumped out of the competition altogether.

Rohit was understandably named the Player of the Match for his exploits. Yet, it might not have been possible had Dhoni not anchored the Indian innings. And, for an anchor to finish with a strike rate of 136.36 was quite impressive in itself.

In fact, that particular fixture also made India believe that they could win from any situation – a notion they proved right by outwitting Australia and Pakistan before lifting the inaugural World T20 title.

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#1 Dhoni's 76* against England at Lord’s, 2007

MS Dhoni dragged 1ndia to safety at Lord's in 2007 against England

When India toured England in 2007, there was palpable optimism that India could set a cat among the English pigeons. Not just because Rahul Dravid had grown in stature as a captain but also because they could call upon young talents of the ilk of Dinesh Karthik and MS Dhoni.

Not all went to plan for the first four and a half days of the 1st Test though, with Kevin Pietersen’s century and England’s fast bowling supremacy putting India under the cosh.

When Dinesh Karthik was dismissed for 60 in the 48th over, India still needed to bat plenty of overs under overcast skies and helpful bowling conditions. They spiraled further over the next couple of hours, with VVS Laxman’s wicket leaving India stranded at 231/6 – 149 runs adrift of England’s target.

The only man who stood between England and a potential victory was MS Dhoni and boy, didn’t he pull out all the stops to thwart the English charge.

In contrast to his natural instincts, Dhoni bided his time and portrayed exceptional grit and determination to tide over the storms (both literally and metaphorically). However, as the situation grew grimmer, with Anil Kumble and RP Singh departing, he wasn’t afraid to use the huge heaves to keep the bowlers honest.

To place things into context, Dhoni and Sreesanth batted for close to five overs, with the former expertly farming the strike and ensuring that the latter only faced 7 of the 30 possible deliveries. Ultimately, the heavens opened up, perhaps in awe of Dhoni’s rear-guard act and washed out the rest of the day as India clung onto a draw by the barest of margins.

In the 2nd Test, their fortunes took a turn for the better as they thumped England at Trent Bridge, laying the platform for a magnificent conquest on English shores.

And, even though there were countless other narratives through the series, whether it be Anil Kumble’s maiden (and only) Test ton, Rahul Dravid’s superlative captaincy or Zaheer Khan’s wizardry, perhaps Dhoni’s innings at Lord’s was the event that set the ball rolling.