Twitter Reactions: Dhoni’s master move against Kieron Pollard
Pollard's dismissal was smartly planned by Dhoni, who placed the long off fielder straighter, almost behind the bowler's arm and right in the eye-line of Pollard.
The final of IPL 2017 in Hyderabad went under way as Mumbai Indians won the toss and elected to bat first. RPS bowlers stuck to their task and had a vice-like grip on the game as Mumbai Indians openers were out cheaply. Skipper Rohit and Rayudu tried to resurrect the innings but the latter was brilliantly run out by Steve Smith from mid-off to leave Mumbai in tatters at 41/3 in the eight over.
After making a steady 24, Rohit too perished trying to hit one out of the park only to find Shardul at the deep midwicket boundary. In walked Pollard to bat at No. 6. He got his innings underway hitting leg-spinner Adam Zampa for a six first ball. It was a full delivery and Pollard went through with the shot as the ball easily cleared the fence.
In a master move, Dhoni – who is not the skipper of the side anymore – prompted an intelligent fielding placement for Pollard. Steve Smith has acknowledged that he has been seeking pieces of advice from Dhoni due to the former India’s captain immense experience.
Seeing Pollard’s frame of mind, Dhoni immediately placed the long off fielder straighter, almost in front of the sightscreen. Pollard must have seen the field change and it hit the ego of the big West Indian. In a bid to continue on his merry way, Pollard tried to clear the ropes again on the third ball he faced but found that very straight long off fielder – Manoj Tiwary – to be dismissed for 7 off 3 balls faced. It was again a master stroke from MS Dhoni as he displayed his great match awareness. Zampa, the bowler, too stuck to the task as he had the courage to flight the ball despite being hit for a six.
Incidentally, Dhoni had a similar fielder stationed for Pollard in the finals of the 2010 IPL. This time it was mid off which was placed right behind the bowler’s arm as Pollard hit it straight back to him. Dhoni is well known for his street-smart approach to cricket and it helped RPS to get rid of a dangerous looking Pollard.
Here are the best Tweets of the well-planned dismissal of Pollard:
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