'Rock Solid, Heart Touching,' says the promotional slogan of ASUSTeK Computers Inc. Hey man, do not panic, this article has nothing to do with ASUS or computers but obviously it has to do with the Indian captain, Captain Cool, MS Dhoni. Yes, rock solid is the best fitting description for Mahi.
Coming from the less known-for-cricket Jharkhand MSD often called by fellow players as Mahi, has done wonders in Indian and International cricket.You'll be definitely having a hard time to believe the fact that Mahi started his school sports career as a goal keeper and his introduction to cricket was purely a chance event. Believe it or not, but you'll agree with me when I quote that "Dhoni is the best wicket keeper in cricket today." His split second stumpings behind the wicket speaks it all. I even dare to say that, "MSD is the best captain India has seen," considering his achievements. And his batting too is nothing but amazing. His less orthodox style may be out of the coaching manual, but it's a beauty to watch him play out.
Recollect his 72 against Pakistan in February 2006 that helped India successfully chase down a challenging total of 289 runs. Then, it was Dhoni the swashbuckler whom you saw. But today, Dhoni has changed with time, both physically (having cut his long golden hair) and in his approach to the game.
Dhoni is the master of the art of chasing. Stays cool in the middle over and then unleashes it and finally finishes things off in style. His average of 107.36 while chasing is far ahead of anyone in the world. Thanks to his 31 notouts batting second.
Dhoni is absolutely a hard nut to crack. Ask the bowlers who have felt it, and they will perhaps explain better than I do!
The fact that Dhoni is the best finisher is further highlighted by his innings in the 2012 Commonwealth Bank Tri-Series match against Australia. His 44 will not be remembered for all its shots but for the massive six in the last over off Clint McKay that swung the game Team India's way. Another innings to cherish, perhaps the most important, is his 91* in the ICC World Cup Final 2012 against Sri Lanka. Who would forget his powerful hit into the stance that brought the ODI cup to India after 28 long years. There is no greater arena to perform than the World Cup Final. And that too in the middle of a brimming Mumbai crowd.Mahi's habit of finishing matches in the last over and in style has been criticized by many cricket gurus and even fellow players. It has been termed glorification and for heroism. Nevertheless, it is his approach and the criticism should be understood as mere differences in attitude and outlook towards the game.
But for MSD his numbers prove his worth. His success as the captain of Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and the Champions League are golden feathers to his crown.
Best Wishes to Captain Cool for the coming Matches in IPL 5.
