KKR recalls Gautam Gambhir's Test-like field setting for MS Dhoni as fourth Ashes Test witnesses similar scenes

Test cricket of the highest quality was on display in the recently-concluded fourth Ashes Test between Australia and England. The visitors had a stern task of chasing 358 on Day 5 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Although England had all 10 wickets in hand, their victory never seemed on the cards. Owing to the same, they played for a draw and eventually avoided a narrow defeat.

Notably, the Three Lions had lost nine wickets and were on the brink of another defeat. However, that didn’t happen as veteran pacers James Anderson and Stuart Broad managed to survive the final two overs. As it got dark at SCG in the evening time, Australia could only operate with spinners. Hence, Nathan Lyon and Steve Smith were in action in the last few overs.

As England tail-enders were looking to block everything, all Aussie fielders came around the bat to create maximum wicket-taking opportunities. Fans were highly entertained as you won’t often see so many fielders around the bat. The hosts were determined to seal the deal as intensity in the last few overs was extremely high.

When Gautam Gambhir set an astonishing field for MS Dhoni

Now, such field settings are rare but fans have witnessed such scenes in Test matches before. However, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), after the conclusion of the game, recalled the moment when their former captain Gautam Gambhir set such a field in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match. “That moment when a classic move in Test cricket actually reminds you of a T20 master stroke!” wrote KKR while sharing an image of that clash on Facebook.

Meanwhile, that game took place in 2016 and KKR were up against the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant (RPSG) in Kolkata.  As the track was favouring spinners, RPSG batters failed to get going. Their skipper MS Dhoni also had a forgettable out as he managed just 8 off 22 deliveries in the end overs.

Quite interestingly, KKR skipper Gautam Gambhir set a Test-like field setting for Dhoni with many fielders around the bat. Gambhir used two slips, a short leg, and a silly point to keep Dhoni quiet, and it worked with remarkable efficiency. Spinners Piyush Chawla and Sunil Narine also justified Gambhir’s decision by restricting Dhoni from taking runs. KKR eventually won that game by eight wickets and Gambhir’s tactics were highly appreciated.