MS Dhoni's Top ODI Innings as Captain

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the hero of the 2011 World Cup final. If we simply look at the statistics, then Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the best captain ever in the history of Indian ODI cricket. He has a win percentage of 63, which is the best by any Indian captain. Alongside being a good captain, he is also a good finisher. Let’s take a look at his top ODI innings as a captain, performances which helped India in crucial situations.

91* vs Srilanka in 2011 World Cup Final

India were in deep trouble when they lost their opening batsman Virender Sehwag for 0 in the first over, followed by Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Dhoni promoted himself up the order, and played almost to his best as he was struggling with his form. He got a start, rotated the strike with Gautam Gambhir and together they added 109 runs. After the departure of Gambhir, Dhoni kept his cool and started to play his strokes, smashing the Islanders over the ropes. Dhoni eventually led India to the World Cup with a massive six.

50* vs Srilanka at Adelaide in 2008

With the Indian openers falling cheaply, India were reduced to 35 for 3. With Yuvraj Singh getting out on 76, Mahendra Singh Dhoni was left at the crease with 81 more runs needed. Despite leg-cramps, Dhoni kept calm and rotated the strike with the tail enders. With Irfan Pathan and Praveen Kumar falling, India were 229 for 7, needing 10 from 14 balls. Dhoni kept the strike and didn’t allow the tail enders to face Malinga. India needed 3 runs to win off the final over and Dhoni smashed Maharoof through the covers to take India home. He made 50 off 68 balls, without any boundaries. India won the match by 2 wickets.

124 vs Australia at Nagpur in 2009:-

With India losing the first match of the series, they needed a good start in the second game. With both openers giving a good start, the stage was laid for the Indian skipper to come in and play his game. Dhoni supported Gambhir beautifully by rotating the strike. After the fall of Gambhir’s wicket, Dhoni started to play his natural game. He played a captain’s knock by hammering 124 off 107 balls, hitting 9 boundaries and 3 classic sixes. India recorded their highest ever total against Australia – 354 for 7. Australia lost the match by 99 runs and India levelled the series 1-1.

72 vs England at Kochi in 2013:-

With both of their openers falling cheaply, India were in deep trouble against England with the middle order providing some support. India needed Mahendra Singh Dhoni to stay at the crease and maintain his cool. Dhoni played beautifully with the last recognized batsman Ravindra Jadeja, and kept on rotating the strike and the scoreboard ticking with single. Dhoni and Jadeja both started swinging their arms in the death overs. Dhoni made 72 off 66 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes, while Jadeja played a blinder in the end and got India to a commanding total of 285 for 6. India won the match comfortably by 127 runs.

44* vs Australia at Adelaide in 2012:-

Australia set India a target of 269 to win off 50 overs. India’s start was beautifully anchored by Gautam Gambhir, who played some lovely shots all over the ground for his 92. Dhoni was supported by Raina and they combined to score 61 runs. With Raina falling in the 47^th over and Ravindra Jadeja in the 49^th, it looked like the match could have slipped through India’s grasp. With India needing 13 runs from the last over of Clint McKay, Dhoni kept his calm and smashed a beautiful six over long on off the 2^nd ball. The 3^rd ball was a no ball by McKay and Dhoni got 2 runs off that ball, while 1 run was awarded for the no-ball. Dhoni got the remaining 3 runs on the 4^th ball and took India home with 2 balls remaining.