Mahendra Singh Dhoni 183* vs Sri Lanka: The Day MSD Became 'The Finisher', 13 Years Ago
Though it has been 13 years since that innings was played, no cricket fan can forget it as the innings unleashed Dhoni at his best and showed what he is capable of doing with the bat.
On October 31, 2005, Mahendra Singh Dhoni scored 183 not out in a One Day International match against Sri Lanka and created the record for the highest score by a wicketkeeper batsman in 50 overs format. That innings not just stormed the record books, but also cemented his place among the best finishers in the game. And though it has been 13 years since that innings was played, no cricket fan can forget that innings as it unleashed Dhoni at his best. MS Dhoni's Lightning-Quick Stumping in 4th ODI Against Windies Video: A Look Back at Five Instances That Show Why MSD is One of The Greatest Wicket-Keepers of All Times!
To put things in context, how often has one seen a scorecard consisting of names like Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid completely outplayed by a relative newcomer who was hardly a year old in International cricket? And yet, Mahendra Singh Dhoni did just that. Chasing a total of 299 to win in the 3rd ODI, on Sri Lanka tour of India 2005, at the Jaipur ground, the chips were down for India after Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag got out cheaply. Dhoni was sent one down in the capacity of a 'pinch hitter'. MS Dhoni's Lightning Stumping Dismisses Liton Das, Indian Keeper Completes 800 Dismissals, Third After Mark Boucher and Adam Gilchrist.
However, Dhoni had already shown what he was capable of after playing the knock of 148 against Pakistan just a few months before. But that innings had come while batting first. This time it was a tricky case with bowlers like Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan defending a healthy target of 298.
At the end, Dhoni not just won the match for India but announced himself to the world. A finisher was born, who had taken everybody by a storm. Dhoni's innings contained 15 fours and 10 sixes. The next highest scorer in that match for India was Virender Sehwag who got out for 39. This shows the dominance Dhoni displayed in the match and his celebration after reaching hundred is still steeped in the minds of cricket fans.
Watch a Short Video of His Innings Below.
Cut to 2018, Mahendra Singh Dhoni is struggling with his bat and seems to have lost the midas touch. However, cricket is as much a game played on the field as much in the mind and this is exactly the kind of innings that Dhoni needs to revisit in order to get back his mojo. If he can do that, chants of 'Mahi, Mahi' is sure to fill the stadiums in England in World Cup 2019. That's the way, Mahi way, the fans must be wishing. Can Dhoni turn back the years? With MSD, anything is possible.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 31, 2018 10:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).