Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni on the cusp of a landmark heading into the T20I series

After an upset in the first ODI at Dharamshala, in the recently concluded ODI series between India and Sri Lanka, it was all about the home team justifying the quality in their side. That is what happened as the visitors were routed in both the following ODIs and the home side clinched the series 2-1. The series was more one-sided than what the final scoreline reflects.

With T20I series to follow, Team India has a chance to end the year on a winning note. The 1st T20I of the series will be played at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack and it could turn out to be a special one for the two most experienced players in the Indian side, skipper Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni.

Skipper on nearing a landmark

Rohit is just fifteen runs short of registering 1500 runs in T20 Internationals and becoming only the second Indian after Virat Kohli to reach the landmark. He has scored 1485 runs in 68 matches so far with an average of 30.30 and a strike rate of 129.92.

It should not be a daunting task for the skipper to get past the mark in the first T20I itself. He would like to continue his excellent form and carry the winning momentum from the ODIs both as a skipper and as a batsman.

Dhoni, two short of the milestone

Likewise, even former skipper Dhoni is just two short of registering most number of dismissals against his name in the game’s shortest format. MS currently has 70 dismissals (45 catches, 25 stumpings) and the record is currently held by South African AB de Villiers at 72 (65 catches and 7 stumpings). Dhoni known for his quick glove work behind the wickets has the best chance to own the record with this game.

Although milestones are just a mark of achievements for the individuals, a sort of recognition that a player gets in the game. But prime motto is always to win matches for the side and it won’t be different for both the senior players as they will want the home side to take a 1-0 lead in the T20I series and put visitors under pressure right away.