Bowl from around the wicket, he'll get stumped - Ashwin recalls Dhoni's genius in 2013 CT final

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently recollected MS Dhoni's exceptional prudence during the 2013 Champions Trophy final against England in Edgbaston. India, defending a humble total of 129 in a rain-shortened 20-over contest, needed tactical wisdom to turn the game in their favour and Dhoni delivered. 

In control and with England at 27/1 in five overs, Dhoni managed to hand over the ball to Ashwin for the final over of the powerplay. The veteran off-spinner managed to deliver a wide down the leg side, beguiling Jonathan Trott out of his crease. Dhoni’s acute and fine glovework behind the stumps ensured Trott’s dismissal just as the skipper had predicted before.

"I still remember Mahi bhai came up to me and said, ‘Don’t bowl over the stumps to Trott; bowl from around the wicket. He’ll try to play on the leg side, and if the ball spins, he’ll get stumped.’ I still can’t believe how he predicted that," said Ashwin on JioHotstar’s Unbeaten: Dhoni’s Dynamites, Ashwin gaped at Dhoni’s lookout and foresight.

Remarkably enough, Trott’s dismissal proved to be a critical point in India's commendable bowling effort. Managing only 124/8 in their 20 overs, England fell short, gifting India a gripping five-run victory. Following India's shared triumph with Sri Lanka in 2002, this win became notable as India clinched their second Champions Trophy title. The Dhoni magic doesn't stop here. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik also exalted Dhoni’s leadership.

"This was our chance to show what cricket meant to Team India. England were cruising, but Dhoni made some brilliant tactical moves, and the bowlers backed him up," Karthik recalled.

Dhoni trusted Ashwin’s skill and mental strength: Chopra

Not just that, Cricket analyst Aakash Chopra further renowned MS Dhoni’s captaincy. He said that making a spinner bowl the final over was indeed mind-boggling and gutsy. But Chopra credited Dhoni's trust and faith in Ashwin's bowling skills and also relied on his mental fortitude.

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"This was his tournament through and through. Throwing the ball to a spinner in the 20th over was a huge gamble, but Dhoni trusted Ashwin’s skill and mental strength." 

India reached the final again in 2017 but suffered a heavy defeat against Pakistan which turned the tables all of a sudden. The coveted Champions Trophy 2025 will commence on February 19, with the hosts Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match.