5 Best overseas Test knocks by MS Dhoni

Former Indian Test skipper MS Dhoni never quite had the game to be a Test cricketer. Making his way into the Indian team he was ruthless, hammered most balls that he faced and was no orthodox keeper. Despite the shortcomings and the challenges that came his way, Dhoni didn’t just play but also captained the team.

By the time he hung his boots from the longest format of the game, he had ensured his name was inscribed in the history of Indian cricket. He retired as the skipper who brought most victories for India in the longest format.

Dhoni was often criticized for not having a single century while playing outside the sub-continent. His overseas captaincy tactics were also often challenged. And thus we decided to list 5 of his best overseas Test knocks.

1. 148 v Pakistan, 2nd Test Faisalabad, 2006:

After fielding for nearly 5 sessions, Pakistan were bowled out for 588 thanks to the debutant RP Singh who chipped in with four wickets. India got off to a good start thanks to Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. Walking to the crease in the 84th over, MS Dhoni joined Sachin Tendulkar in the middle.

Dhoni showed pure class and temperament in the initial stages of his innings against the likes of Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammed Asif. He was supported by Irfan Pathan after the loss of Sachin’s wicket. They steadied the ship and played till the end of the day. MS proved the critics that he could battle the swing in those conditions. His innings consisted of wonderful strokeplay and unorthodox six hitting against the likes of Akhtar.

It was Dhoni’s first Test century outside India which was ironically his last too. His innings came to an end soon on the fourth day but not before he smashed 19 fours and 4 sixes. His knock was crucial as he had to bat with the tail-enders to go past the Pakistan total. Although the match ended in a draw on the fifth day, Dhoni’s innings ensured the hosts safety.

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