MS Dhoni comes out in his new avatar this Sri Lanka series

Ardent MS Dhoni fans might have noticed something different about the talismanic wicket keeper batsman in the ongoing Sri Lanka series and No! it is not his technique. For many a year now, we have seen one of the best finishers in world cricket sporting the bulky broad striped Morrant pads. The likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag also were renowned for playing with the Morrant International Ultralite batting pads. But in the ongoing series, MSD is seen wearing the conventional three strapped sleek designed pads as opposed to the two strapped bulky ones.

According to data, the standard weight of Morrant pads is approximately around 450g per pad whereas the conventional ones weigh around 850g. Which means that MS Dhoni has opted to prefer heavier pads as opposed to the lighter ones he used to sport previously.

“I can’t comment on why Dhoni has switched pads at this time but our representative in India will no doubt speak with him in due course. The unique two strap design was developed so the top strap sits comfortably on the calf. Conventional pads are generally constructed with cane rods as the core of the protection surrounded by either cotton fibres or HD foam or a combination of the two,” explained the executive at Morrant Group Ltd, Sunil Jajodia, according to Kashmir Times

Benefits of two-strapped pads

“The shape of such pads is achieved through stitching patterns and the shape around the leg is maintained by the conventional three strap system around the ankle, calf and knee. Approx weight of a top of the range conventional batting pad would be around 850-950g per pad (standard men’s size). Morrant International Ultralite batting pads are constructed using a unique lightweight anti bounce foam with brushed nylon facing,” further augmented Jajodia.

“The two straps are designed to sit comfortably around the ankle and top of the calf muscle.The key benefit of these pads is the weight when compared to conventional pads, with one pad weighing under 450g (standard men’s size). This dramatic reduction in weight allows for faster footwork when positioning for shots and of course a faster pace between the wickets,” concluded the Morrant Group Ltd executive.