MS Dhoni has earned a reputation for being the greatest spiker of all time, but according to former Indian all-rounder Sanjay Bangar, there is an interesting anecdote attached. Remember Dhoni’s early years, when his hitting had a cheek like no other Indian cricket before? Those 148 innings against Pakistan and 183 against Sri Lanka shortly after his debut in India brought Dhoni to instant stardom, but more important was his great hitting ability.
Dhoni would go after the opposition and hammer huge sixes, unheard of for an Indian cricketer. And that’s when India produced artists like Kapil Dev and Virender Sehwag. However, Dhoni’s brute force and strength were unsurpassed, and after being named captain, Dhoni became much more calculated in his shots.
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Bangar, the former India hitting coach has revealed an interesting story as to why Dhoni began to slow down his natural attacking self, sharing details of how the former India captain realized the many layers that come with hitting.
“I came to know recently how, in his formative years, because he’s such a great hitter on the ball, he has that natural ability to punch, Dhoni curbed his natural instinct. He used to write on his thigh pad – 1, 2 – Tick Tick and 4, 6 – Cross Cross, ”Bangar said on Star Sports.
“So every time he went out to bat, and he put the thigh pad on, he’d probably take a look at that. It would remind you that you have to follow a process. And that’s how running those one and two made him a great finisher. “
In fact, Bangar acknowledges that it was the same ability to pinch singles and doubles that made Dhoni the “best runner-up in the world.” “Most of the world cricket finalists have realized the importance of singles and doubles. Look at Michael Bevan, look at MS Dhoni. They have something in common, which helps them win cricket matches. It’s not those four and six. And that’s the process that MS Dhoni follows, ”he said.
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Bangar also played a role in Dhoni’s struggles at the 2020 IPL. The CSK captain has appeared a pale shadow of his former self, scoring just 164 runs in 10 games. His highest score is an undefeated 47 against the Rajasthan Royals and on Monday, he was fired for 28 of 28 balls with two fours.
“What I have seen so far from MS Dhoni this season is that she has stopped doing her pre-delivery movements. Because of that, he’s a little late with the ball and when you’re 38-39, you have to put in a little extra time when you’re bowling at a pace above 140-145. If he gets that extra second space again, the ball will start to hit the center of his bat, ”Bangar said.
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