MS Dhoni – India’s Unorthodox Captain, Batsman, Wicketkeeper

By: Tarish Bhatt

MS Dhoni has his own way of doing things. He is not someone who needs cricket manual to plan strategies, and implement things on the field. Maybe that’s why he is arguably the best Indian captain ever.

With his unorthodox skills and way of doing things he led India to various trophies, including the World T20, World Cup and the Champions Trophy.

Dhoni was again at his orthodox best against Sri Lanka when he decided to field an unchanged squad from the 1st T20 game in Pune on a dry Ranchi pitch.

There was no Harbhajan Singh, Pawan Negi or Manish Pandey in the playing XI, rather he went with allrounder Hardik Pandya and provided him ample opportunity to showcase his talent.

Pandya grabbed the opportunity with both hands, and played a cameo toward the end coming at number five. He bowled well, too, to justify Dhoni’s faith in him.

“Yes we’re trying different things,” Dhoni said. “Our top order has done well, so we’re trying to give everyone an opportunity whenever possible.”

The Indian captain was also electric behind the stumps. He managed to stump Dilshan and Chandimal, while leading his troops to victory.

In the post-match presentation, Dhoni was asked about his unorthodox wicketkeeping technique, to which the Indian skipper come up with a fitting reply.

“But yes, fielding is very important,” the Indian captain said. “Being a bit unorthodox behind the stumps really helps, but credit to the bowlers for beating the batsman.”