MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh changed the concept of chasing in ODIs: Ajit Agarkar

One gem of a cricketer and the most successful captain so far for the Indian side, MS Dhoni marked his exit from the international cricket on Saturday. He chose to bid adieu with a simple Instagram post which left fans amused and depressed.

Tributes have been pouring from all the corners of the world and all of them are different in their own ways. Former pacer Ajit Agarkar has lauded captain cool along with Yuvraj Singh for changing the concept of chasing in ODIs. Dhoni’s helicopter shot and fine lofted drives by Yuvraj were enough to win games for India.

The right-arm pacer who played alongside Dhoni in the initial stage of his international career was in all praise for him. Agarkar lauded the jersey No. 7 for being utmost courteous and yet friendly with everyone in the dressing room. He also gave credits to Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh for completely altering the concept of chasing in ODIs. The duo remained attacking and yet sensible with their bats to push the Men in Blue towards victory on several occasions.

“Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh changed the concept of chasing in ODIs. They were so good at it that after their success, other teams also started to field first on winning the toss,” said Agarkar as quoted by Hindustan Times.

MS Dhoni’s 183 off 145 was one of his best knocks

The 42-year-old former pacer also admired Dhoni’s explosive knock of unbeaten 183 against Sri Lanka in the Jaipur ODI in 2005. His attacking innings left Lankan bowlers bewildered, and he went on to become the highest-scoring wicket-keeping batsman in the world. His chase at Lahore ODI in 2006 along with Yuvraj produced a match-winning stand of 106 runs that helped team clinch victory by 5 wickets with 14 balls to spare.

“His 183 not out versus Sri Lanka at Jaipur (2005) and the chase at Lahore (ODI vs Pakistan, 2006)—Sri Lanka had posted a massive total and Dhoni batted at No. 3 and won it. The atmosphere in the dressing room went crazy when he started smashing sixes. At Lahore too, Pakistan had posted a very good total and their bowlers were in fine rhythm. Dhoni finished it off with a big partnership with Yuvraj,” added Agarkar