How MS Dhoni's act behind the stumps helped spinners in Chennai

The impact of former Indian skipper MS Dhoni is not restricted to his charismatic batting or unbelievable glove work. On 17th September in Chennai, Dhoni once again showed why he is such an asset in the limited overs squad. Apart from scoring a game-changing 79 runs with the bat, and stitching a solid partnership with all-rounder Hardik Pandya; the man behind the stumps made sure he calls the shots in the field.

From making the field changes to guiding the bowlers, Dhoni was the virtual skipper in the field. Australia were set a revised target of 164 from 21 overs after rain interrupted the game. The visitors didn’t get off to a good start but all-rounder Glenn Maxwell threatened to take the game away from the opposition.

How Dhoni made a difference from behind the stumps

Dhoni kept on having a word with the two spinners- Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal.  Dhoni, in his own signature style kept on talking behind the stumps. “Woh maarne wala dalna, andar ya baahar koi bhi (Bowl the one that he tries to hit, turning in or away, either is fine)”. Or the more specific “Woh ghoomane waalaaa (the one that turns).” he hinted to the bowlers.

When Maxwell was going after the bowling, Dhoni asked Kuldeep to toss the ball up and wide. Kuldeep sticked to the middle wicket line and went for a few blows. The spinner once again bowled full, into the middle stump, and was taken for runs. Dhoni wasn’t pleased and indicated the same to the spinner- “Na, na, na. Isko itna aage nahi (Not this full too).” The spinner soon bowled a well controlled googly and that saw Maxwell fail to make a contact with his bat.

Chahal too, was taken for a ride initially. Maxwell was beaten on a few occasions, when Chahal bowled wide outside the stumps but was taken for runs, everytime he aimed at the stumps. He soon bowled one outside off-stump and saw Maxwell mistime it, ending his cameo and Australia’s hopes.