India Vs Australia: Know What Mahendra Singh Dhoni Dictate Slow-Bowlers in Chennai Behind Stumps
Dec 12, 2017 at 1:06 PM
Effervescent and experienced campaigner for Team India Mahendra Singh Dhoni has already been the star attraction across the cricketing globe and a household name in the country where gentleman’s game is being religiously followed by the cricket fanatics and Chennai was no different to that when it comes to cheering the Men in Blue, in the five-match One-day international series opener against Australia.
The wrist spinners from the hosts are touted as a big threat for the visitors while being aggressive and eventually attacking with the ball, as Kuldeep Yadav and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal went on to bowl in tandem which in general made things miserable for visitors’ batsmen.
However, both the slow-bowlers shared five crucial wickets after conceding 63 runs in nine overs.
For a moment everyone would have had reminisced the old days when Dhoni led the team India, as it was again reflected on Sunday night when calm and composed Dhoni was giving his vital instructions to the chinaman Kuldeep Yadav after he was smashed 22 runs by explosive batsman Glenn Maxwell in an over.
Somewhat, the success of the bowlers could also be accredited to Dhoni, as he has been backing the bowlers while suggesting the spinners what to send down against Australian batters during 11th and 12th overs which Kuldeep and Chahal bowled.
“Woh… marne wala dalo, andar ya bahar aaye (Deliver the one that he would hit at, the ball coming in or going away would Set the trap),” Dhoni was picked by stump mic.
(Read Match Report: India Vs Australia: MS Dhoni, Hardik Panyda Power Hitting Lift Men in Blue after early Jolts)
During the in-depth conversation between the young left-arm bowler Kuldeep and gloveman Dhoni, the all-format skipper was closely following the duo during the rain-marred contest which India eventually won by 26 runs owing to the Duck-Worth Lewis Method (DLS).
“Woh ghoomanai walaa daalo (bowl the one which will turn),” Dhoni went on to suggest his slow bowlers.
Dhoni, who now played 302 ODIs was chirpy behind the stumps in 11th over of the game when Kuldeep was punished by Maxwell while reaching out the ball.
Kuldeep’s over saw three consecutive sixes from the Victorian, who flexed his muscles to score 18-ball 39.
While repeating the instructions, Dhoni seemed to be discontented with Kuldeep, who kept on bowling full length to Maxwell.
“Naa, naa, Isko itna aage nahi phenk (No, not this line, not too full, try different),” Dhoni, who asked for a wider delivery, shouted while witnessing the ball sailing over the boundary line, before Kuldeep finished his over.
India posted 281 for seven in 50 allotted overs, as Australia managed to score 137 for nine after the target was reduced to 164 when rain stopped the play post innings break.
(Read Also: IND vs AUS 2017: BCCI Posts a Picture Of Indian Team Relaxing At the Airport)
Earlier, after India won the toss, the hosts were reduced to 64 for 4 when Dhoni made a mark to the crease and eventually after two-years at his Indian Premier League franchise Chennai Super Kings’ den after two year in 50-over format.
After forging a 118-run stand for the sixth wicket alongside hard-hitting sensation and promising all-rounder Hardik Pandya (83 off 66), Dhoni, who anchored the innings before accelerating it in the dying overs of the Indian innings.
Dhoni, who started off slowly with the willow, went on to score 79 off 88 deliveries which included four boundaries and two sixes.