VVS Laxman and Russel Arnold heaps praise on MS Dhoni

The cricket analysts VVS Laxman and Russel Arnold have hailed MS Dhoni for his contribution on the field behind the stumps during the first T20I against Sri Lanka. India trounced the visitors by 93 runs on a dewy evening in Cuttack and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Dhoni himself had an excellent game both with bat and as a wicketkeeper with the Men in Blue proving too hot to handle for the Lankan tigers. However, Laxman and Russel both feel that the former Indian skipper reads the game perfectly which eventually helps the spinners especially.

MS Dhoni interestingly batted at number 4 during the game and scored a crucial 39* off just 22 deliveries. The knock also included a last-ball six over deep mid-wicket to end the Indian innings which sent the fans into a frenzy. While defending the total, he affected four dismissals out of which two were stumpings and also crossed AB de Villiers in terms most T20I scalps on the field. Moreover, his inputs to the spin-twins Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav were crucial as they shared six wickets between them on the night.

Dhoni is an invaluable asset to Indian cricket

Both Russel Arnold and VVS Laxman praised MS Dhoni for his contribution during the first game on the post-match show on Star Sports. “Dhoni has got his own style. If you watch his style, you wouldn’t think he is safe. But he knows how to catch a ball, his reflexes are good. He knows where the stumps are, he gets the bails off in a flash. He is an amazing cricketer. He knows their [bowlers’] minds inside out. MS [Dhoni] is good at reading the batsman as well. He generally tries to give a cue to the bowler about changing the line or pace. The bowlers tend to trust him. There is a great understanding between the bowler and the keeper, which is doing wonders for India,” the former Sri Lankan opined.

“The rapport between the keeper and the bowler is very important, especially in T20 format. MS has always been a bowler’s captain. He has the best vision from behind the stumps. The way he educates the bowler is impressive. That’s why he is an invaluable asset to Indian cricket,” Laxman said while applauding Dhoni.