Twitter Reactions: Dhoni’s master move against Kieron Pollard

The final of IPL 2017 in Hyderabad went under way as Mumbai Indians won the toss and elected to bat first. RPS bowlers stuck to their task and had a vice-like grip on the game as Mumbai Indians openers were out cheaply. Skipper Rohit and Rayudu tried to resurrect the innings but the latter was brilliantly run out by Steve Smith from mid-off to leave Mumbai in tatters at 41/3 in the eight over.

After making a steady 24, Rohit too perished trying to hit one out of the park only to find Shardul at the deep midwicket boundary. In walked Pollard to bat at No. 6. He got his innings underway hitting leg-spinner Adam Zampa for a six first ball. It was a full delivery and Pollard went through with the shot as the ball easily cleared the fence.

In a master move, Dhoni – who is not the skipper of the side anymore – prompted an intelligent fielding placement for Pollard. Steve Smith has acknowledged that he has been seeking pieces of advice from Dhoni due to the former India’s captain immense experience.

Seeing Pollard’s frame of mind, Dhoni immediately placed the long off fielder straighter, almost in front of the sightscreen. Pollard must have seen the field change and it hit the ego of the big West Indian. In a bid to continue on his merry way, Pollard tried to clear the ropes again on the third ball he faced but found that very straight long off fielder – Manoj Tiwary – to be dismissed for 7 off 3 balls faced. It was again a master stroke from MS Dhoni as he displayed his great match awareness. Zampa, the bowler, too stuck to the task as he had the courage to flight the ball despite being hit for a six.

Incidentally, Dhoni had a similar fielder stationed for Pollard in the finals of the 2010 IPL. This time it was mid off which was placed right behind the bowler’s arm as Pollard hit it straight back to him. Dhoni is well known for his street-smart approach to cricket and it helped RPS to get rid of a dangerous looking Pollard.

Here are the best Tweets of the well-planned dismissal of Pollard:

Amazing strategy by RPS & Pollard fell for the trap. Fielder on the Boundary behind the umpire. Well done Fleming, Smith & Dhoni. #IPLfinal

— Aditya (@forwardshortleg) May 21, 2017

How RPS got Pollard dismissed #RPSvMI #IPLfinal pic.twitter.com/YPwlnhJ2CP

— The-Lying-Lama (@KyaUkhaadLega) May 21, 2017

After so many years, still a repeat a of that famous dismissal that was set up by MS Dhoni for Pollard. That was in DY Patil inside d circle

— Moulin (@Moulinparikh) May 21, 2017

As @KP24 said was it @msdhoni idea? Straightish long on vs Pollard! Memories of 2010 #IPLfinal #RPSvMI

— Saurav Jha (@iamsauravjha) May 21, 2017

Pollard down my throat!

— BenchoItsManojTiwary (@BenchoItsManojT) May 21, 2017

Kieron Pollard's dismissal confirms one thing – Dhoni is #RPS' captain.

— Karthik Lakshmanan (@lk_karthik) May 21, 2017

A very well setup dismissal of Pollard by MSD. Remember when he got him in the 2010 final with that awkward field set? ?? #ipl

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) May 21, 2017

Dhoni was the one who placed that fielder just ahead of the sidescreen! Mastermind! #RPSvMI #IPL

— HoldingWilley ? (@holdingwilley) May 21, 2017

Remember Pollard's dismissal in IPL Final – 2010? Pollard was caught at Mid-Off, behind him was long-off waiting as well. #IPLfinal

— Arjun Ashok (@arj_90) May 21, 2017

Amazing strategy by RPS & Pollard fell for the trap. Fielder on the Boundary behind the umpire. Well done Fleming, Smith & Dhoni. #IPLfinal

— Aditya (@forwardshortleg) May 21, 2017

Someone should be allowed to call Pollard 'brainless' tonight… #IPLfinal pic.twitter.com/F2uEo2PFHC

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) May 21, 2017

MS Dhoni turns the pages back on Pollard! Remember 2010? A long-off/on as straight as a ramrod pouches him. #RPSvsMI #IPL #IPLfinal

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) May 21, 2017

Amazing field placement by Dhoni…err Smith or whoever it is. ? #IPLfinal

— Sir Lazy (@iLazyLad) May 21, 2017

Pretty sure Goenka's captain can't pull this off. #IPLfinal pic.twitter.com/n4g2r2zMqL

— sagaRPS (@sagarcasm) May 21, 2017

MS Dhoni – The spiritual leader of RPS as Tair called it.

That Pollard wicket was deja vu. #IPL #IPLfinal

— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) May 21, 2017

KP on air : The first time MSD put a fielder there (straight in line with the bowler)for Pollard was a few years back. He does it again

— Manya ? (@CSKian716) May 21, 2017