AB de Villiers vs MS Dhoni - A statistical comparison between two modern day greats

In AB de Villiers and MS Dhoni, we have got two very good captains and more importantly, two very good finishers who are feared all over the world. These two modern day greats are leading their respective countries in search of glory and they are often compared with each other because of some similarities in their game. While AB’s Test numbers are certainly a notch above Dhoni’s, their ODI numbers are pretty similar and are very intriguing. So let’s see how they stack up against each other in the 50 over format:

#5 Major honours

Hands down, Dhoni comes out on top here having won literally all the major honours available in limited overs Cricket. If there is ever a thing that can be looked at upon as a void in AB’s amazing career, it’s the lack of silverware.

Individually, there is nothing to separate them as they have both been named the ICC ODI Player of the Year twice in their careers. But collectively as a team, Dhoni has won the 50 overs World Cup, a T20 World Cup and a Champions Trophy whereas AB has won none.

#4 Finishing prowess

In recent years, these two have become famous for this reason alone more than anything else. Time and time again, they have rescued their side and have proved to be the ultimate finishers in the modern game.

What separates them though is, one is a master at chasing down totals, and the other is an expert in setting them up. So lets see how much have they contributed to their teams victories with the bat while batting first and also while chasing:

While batting 1st

	Matches	Average	Strike rate
AB	63	59.42	111.74
MSD	63	58.61	106.24

While chasing

	Matches	Average	Strike rate
AB	54	79.50	95.45
MSD	82	109.19	90.63

Some staggering numbers here, as they prove how vital their contribution have been to their teams success. With an average of 109.19 in successful run-chases, no wonder Dhoni is considered the best in the business on this front.

#3 Overall batting numbers

At Home

	Matches	Runs	100s	50s	Average	Strike Rate
AB	76	3243	7	21	52.30	100.27
MSD	95	3407	6	20	59.77	93.54

At Away and Neutral venues

	Matches	Runs	100s	50s	Average	Strike Rate
AB	110	4633	13	24	53.87	97.90
MSD	165	5021	3	37	48.74	86.37

The South African captain wins here, but not by a long margin! For the most part of his career, he has batted at number 4 and 5 and hence his numbers are better than Dhonis, since the Indian Captain has spent majority of his time batting at number 6 and 7.

But still, for someone who has always batted down the order, Dhonis numbers are too good. Both average more than 50 at home, with Dhonis touching almost 60. The most striking feature here is the rate at which de Villiers scores his runs both home and away.

#2 Wicket-keeping

As a Wicket-keeper

	Matches	Catches	Stumpings
AB	59	92	5
MSD	260	240	85

Considering the fact that AB is no longer a keeper, it would not be fair to compare these two especially since Dhoni has kept wickets in 200 more matches than de Villiers. MSD has always donned the gloves for India and has effected 325 dismissals in total sitting comfortably at number 4 in the all-time list.

AB on the other hand, has started to focus more on batting and has handed over the reigns to the young Quinton De Kock. He continues to keep wickets in Test Cricket though where there is no burden of Captaincy. The contrasting numbers in the catches and stumpings also reflect where the strength lies in the bowling department for both these sides.

#1 Captaincy

Captaincy Record

	Matches	Won	Lost	Win %
AB	68	39	25	60.76
MSD	181	101	65	60.58

You take a look at the percentage of wins both captains have enjoyed, and you see a very tight contest there. But the fact that is to be considered here is the number of matches both have led.

MSD has led India in more than twice the number of matches de Villiers has led the Proteas in. Leading the most followed Cricket team in the world can take a toll on you and Dhoni has managed to do that for more than 7 years now. De Villiers could enjoy a longer run too with Amla leading the Test side.

So for having a win percentage record of above 60 having led in 181 games, Dhoni is clearly the better candidate here.