Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the most successful Indian ODI skipper and arguably the best finisher in the game. Dhoni has drove India home numerous times, his last over finish against Australia in 2012 tour is still afresh in cricket fans minds.
The Indian captain, still, receives sharp criticism every time India went down and rarely gets the credit he deserves. Dhoni was India’s mainstay for India in the Test series, with 349 runs, and spent most time on the crease for Team India.
Dhoni masterminded India’s victory in the second Test against England at Lord’s by convincing Ishant Sharma to trouble the English batsmen with short deliveries. He inspired India to a 3-1 ODI series win in the ODIs but the Ranchi-born still did not get the due credit he deserved.
“The entire coaching staff and everyone else spoke about what fielding well can do,” Ravi Shastri told to Mid-day. “It came from the captain as well. MS (Dhoni) doesn’t get the credit he deserves. He is outstanding and now I know why he has the medals that he has, as opposed to other Indian captains.”
Winning the ODI series against England with a young squad has come as a big boost for Team India, ahead of the 2015 World Cup. Shastri, who was appointed India’s director for the limited-overs series, is convinced that men in blue are in good space in the ODIs atleast.
“I have always been convinced,” he said. “When it comes to playing overseas, it will take about three years to get the proper results for this young team to really attack and play brilliant cricket. Show me a team barring South Africa to an extent that play well overseas.”
