When I look at MS Dhoni, I see myself: Lance Klusener

Former South African all-rounder Lance Klusener has said that he sees himself in MS Dhoni. Klusener is one of the best finishers to have played the game. He made a name for himself during the ICC Cricket World Cup 1999 in England where he had the onus of finishing the innings for his side and did quite a good job.

He was named the man of the tournament in the mega event. He also played in the game where the Proteas tied their semi-final against Australia and couldn’t make the final. The 49-year-old is currently the head coach of the Afghanistan national cricket team. During a recent interview, the former Proteas great talked about how his game was quite similar to that of Dhoni’s.

He was asked about what he thinks about Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni as finishers. He noted that Dhoni has a similar tactic of attacking the bowlers from the very word go. He also said that the former Indian captain has perfected the art of taking chases till the end and finishing it while batting with the tailenders. 

“They are true legends of the game. I love watching them winning matches for their sides with ease. Dhoni perfected the art of taking the games deep and finishing it off in the company of tail-enders. When I look at him, I see myself! Like me, Dhoni is an aggressive batsman who looks to dominate the bowlers right from the word go and accelerate the scoring rate,” Klusener told Malayala Manorama. 

I think Kohli belongs to a different class: Lance Klusenar

Furthermore, the South African also praised Virat Kohli. He pointed out that compared to someone like Kohli, the job of finishers is easy. Klusener was of the opinion that the Indian skipper’s role is of an anchor, which means putting up partnerships and playing quality bowlers upfront. 

“Players like Kohli play an anchor role by batting through most part of the innings. Compared to Kohli, our job was easier. Batting at the top-order and stitching the innings together by playing against quality bowling is tough. That’s why I think Kohli belongs to a different class,” Lance Klusener added.