MS Dhoni set to make Muralitharan's record his own

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is on his way to breaking his own world record when he will walk out to bat in the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Dambulla. He is a record holder as wicketkeeper, batsman, captain already but this particular record is unique. As per the final playing XI announced for the first ODI, MS Dhoni is expected to bat at number 5. If he comes to bat and remains unbeaten till the end of the innings, he will become the only batsman to have remained not out for the most number of times in international cricket.

So far, Dhoni has remained not out for 119 times in international cricket which the second highest after Sri Lanka’s legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan. The Sri Lankan who also happens to be highest wicket-taker in Tests has 56, 63 and 2, not outs in Tests, ODIs and T20Is respectively. Dhoni has 16, 70 and 33 number of not outs in Tests, ODIs and T20Is respectively.

An all important series for MSD

He has already equalled Muralitharan’s record but if he is able to achieve this one, it will make him reach the No.1 position. In this extraordinary record list, the players that follow Dhoni are Shaun Pollock (113 times, retired), Chaminda Vaas (108 times, retired) and Steve Waugh (104 times, retired). Interestingly, he is the only batsman in this lot who is active and still plays for his country in shorter formats.

The former captain is also 2 stumpings short of becoming the first wicketkeeper in ODI cricket to reach 100 stumpings, and in all probability he will be the record holder for this special feat. Dhoni’s performances this series onwards are being perceived more closely because the selectors have made it clear that performance and fitness are placed well above pedigree. Apart from making these records his own, Dhoni will also be looking to give impressive performances in the series.