An auspicious landmark awaits for MS Dhoni in the Australia series

India’s talismanic wicketkeeper batsman, MS Dhoni, had been on a record breaking spree in the recently concluded Sri Lankan series as he toppled one record after the other in the 5 match series. Yet again, the former Indian captain is on the verge of setting another record in his glittering career.

One of the best finishers world cricket has ever witnessed, the great MSD, is only 342 runs shy of his 10,000th run in ODI cricket. Only three Indian players have managed to reach the extraordinary landmark by the names of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid. Also, he requires as many as 63 runs to overhaul the tally of Mohammad Yousuf and occupy the 12th spot in the list of leading run scorers in ODIs.

He recently overhauled the tally of former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin in terms of runs scored in ODIs. MSD is now fourth highest run getter for India in the 50-over format and is only behind stalwarts such as Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid.

The old dog has plenty to offer: Shastri

What would make the achievement all the more special is that the great Indian trio has largely played while batting at the top order, whereas, MS Dhoni has generally batted at the lower middle order, finishing games for his side. Essentially, MSD has 8 games at home to bring up the feat. If he fails to bring up the required runs in the five ODI series against the Aussies, he would then have 3 games against New Zealand in October-November to complete the special feat.

“MS Dhoni is a massive influence on the team. He is a living legend in the dressing room and an ornament to the game,” Shastri said in Sri Lanka recently.By no means or by any stretch of the imagination is he finished or even half finished yet. If anyone thinks so, they are mistaken and they have another one coming. They are in for some surprises. The old dog has plenty to offer,” claimed the Indian head coach according to IBT.