Mahendra Singh Dhoni may not have contributed with the bat in India’s 19-run defeat against New Zealand on Wednesday night, but the Indian team captain left his mark on the Ranchi ODI with a magic run-out.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni ran out New Zealand star batsman Ross Taylor for 35 when the Kiwis batted first after winning the toss. Dhoni quite specialises in this kind of dismissal when he deflects the ball on the stumps with his back facing the wickets.
It’s purely a matter of judgement and reflex and shows how a good wicketkeeper knows where exactly he is standing behind the wickets. This time, Taylor struggling for form, was Dhoni’s victim.
Dhoni’s fitness and agility still makes him a much-needed man in the limited overs team. The dismissal of Taylor speaks volumes on his sense of judgement and how quickly he can covert a half-chance (Dhawal Kulkarni’s throw) to something substantial.
On Wednesday night, he was bowled by Jimmy Neesham for 11. Dhoni batted at No. 4 but the failure of the young lower middle-order gave the Kiwis an opportunity to level the series.
