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[manee]

The maturing of MS Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni began his One Day International career in 2004 as a long haired, swashbuckling lower order wicketkeeper-batsman, infamous for his hard hitting in the latter overs of ODIs; to end an innings and to chase down an unlikely total. His trademark was most certainly his unusual fine ‘Dhoni-sweep’ and whirlwind lofted straight drive off the fullest of deliveries.

His keeping was energetic but sloppy, and it was his consistently explosive ODI batting which kept him in the Indian ODI side, despite competition from Dinesh Karthik. He was renowned amongst the more intricate spectators for often chasing down defensive nudges going as far as square leg to prevent a cheeky two. However, Dhoni often fumbled many-a-stumping behind the stumps and leaked byes.

However, Dhoni has made massive strides since his debut series, in which he managed to blitz only 19 runs in his three innings. MS Dhoni now has a shorter hair cut which perfectly illustrates his more mature attitude; both his keeping and batting have improved and he has been made ODI captain to usher in the new generation of young cricketers to the Indian ODI setup.

Dhoni is now much more still at his keeping mark; his movements are now more efficient and he concedes far less byes and takes more catches as a result. He also now longer fumbles easy stumping chances and has become superbly adept at rapid stumpings. His keeping has even improved to the point where cricket purists regard him as the best wicket keeper in the world today.

His batting has transformed significantly too. The figures are tangible evidence of the massive change in temperament. In the 2007/8 season (the southern hemisphere late spring and summer), Dhoni has scored 621 runs at 51.75 with a strike rate of 79.92 – far lower than his initial strike rate in 2004 of 135.71 and yet, Dhoni still has the ability to accelerate when the situation demands. However, statistics do not tell the whole story; Dhoni has made a noticeable change in his technique. He now prefers to nudge balls outside the off stump and push balls into the gap on the leg side to run those singles hard and turn twos into threes. How ironic that MS Dhoni has now matured into a batsman who now creates those singles which he was so eager to prevent and avoid as an energetic wicket keeper and lower order slogger.

I would appriciate people to PM me if they have constructive criticism of the article, thanks.

[arjun]

How I wish he were not so mature!

[OldPal]

How I wish he were not so mature!

 
I wish tooo

[LosingNow]

I think MSD has earned some clout (based on his achievements and his recent IPL high value contract).. he should use it to ask SRT to sit out a game.

[OldPal]

The game agianst SL is a crucial game , and the team selection has to be spot on.
There are chances that SS,VS may already sit, While no body likes the way SRT is scoring n this series ,MSD may be in for a tough call.

[teamindia]

The catch MSD took of AG was simply brilliant!!!

[OldPal]

The catch MSD took of AG was simply brilliant!!!

Had to replace his gloves after taking catch  good that catch was given legal.

[keep-it-cool]

Very good article, Manee. I agree entirely although I think yesterday's effort was below average.

[manee]

Very good article, Manee. I agree entirely although I think yesterday's effort was below average.

The article was written before yesterday.

[keep-it-cool]

Very good article, Manee. I agree entirely although I think yesterday's effort was below average.

The article was written before yesterday.

I know that. Just added that second comment on my own .. not in response to your post.