Australia vs India 2018/19: Tim Paine Lavish Praises on Veteran MS Dhoni
Jan 11, 2019 at 5:07 PM
Australia National Cricket Team Test captain, Tim Paine spoke highly of MS Dhoni ahead of the ODI series. The former India captain, Dhoni is potentially on his last Australia tour. Though the selectors overlooked him for the T20Is later last year, MS Dhoni returned for Australia ODI’s. However, Tim Paine says MS is one of the best wicketkeeper-batsmen to have played the game.
He’s (MS Dhoni) right up there – Paine
MS Dhoni’s form with the bat has left everyone worried, but Paine feels the India veteran is right up there, particularly in white-ball cricket. Though Paine, in his own right, said he doesn’t hope MS scores too many runs this time. Also, he feels fortunate to not be on the opposite end of him.
“I think he is one of the best wicketkeeper-batsmen to ever play the game,” Tim Paine told cricket.com.au. “He is right up there, no doubt about that, particularly in white-ball cricket. Hopefully, he doesn’t get too many runs but it’s certainly going to be nice to have him here for a little bit. I’m happy I won’t be out there against him,” he added.
MS Dhoni is India’s most decorated captain; winning the 2011 World Cup, T20 World Cup in 2007 and leading India to number one in Tests in 2009. Furthermore, under MS Dhoni, India won their second Champions Trophy in 2013. Paine, who hasn’t played alongside Dhoni much, says MS’ way of conducting himself on the field impresses him the most.
MS does the basics pretty well – Tim Paine
The Australia Test captain opines MS Dhoni’s simplicity as his ace card. He says the way the former India captain simplifies such a complicated game, makes you know about his understanding of cricket.
“What I do love about watching him play, whether he is batting or keeping and captaining, he keeps things very simple,” Paine said.
“That’s just from what I can see. Cricket is a very complicated game and I’ve enjoyed watching him really simplify it still in this modern age. He just looks like he does the basics pretty well, stays real relaxed and – at his age from the pressure he would be under in India and around the world – he looks like he just loves playing cricket,” Paine concluded.
Meanwhile, the first of the three One-Day games will be played at the SCG, on Saturday (January 12th).