‘He used to write on his thigh pad’ – Sanjay Bangar on how MS Dhoni became a successful finisher

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar revealed one of MS Dhoni’s anecdotes that helped the latter become of the greatest finishers of all-time. Dhoni is known as ‘Captain Cool’ owing to his ability to hold his nerve in tense match-situations. The now 39-year-old started his career on a swashbuckling note, scoring 183 and 148 against Sri Lanka and Pakistan respectively.

But as his career progressed, he started blending caution with aggression. After he became the national skipper in all three formats, he started taking responsibility for taking India to victory, especially during run-chases. Bangar said that the Jharkhand-born Dhoni used to write on his thigh pad to remain aware of his action plans during the course of a match.

You look at Michael Bevan, look at MS Dhoni, says Sanjay Bangar
“I came to know recently as to how – in his formative years because he is such a hitter of the ball, has that natural ability to clear – Dhoni curbed his natural instinct. He used to write on his thigh pad – 1, 2 – Tick Tick and 4, 6 – Cross Cross,” Bangar was quoted as saying on Star Sports.

“So, every time he would go out to bat, and he’d be putting on his thigh pad, he’d probably have a look at that. It would remind him that he has to follow a process. And that is how by running those one and two he became such a great finisher,” he stated.

Bangar also drew Dhoni’s parallel’s with Michael Bevan, the former Australian batsman. In his ODI career, Bevan scored nearly 7,000 runs at an average of 53.58. That he had 46 half-centuries showed his effectiveness in the middle order. Bangar was of the opinion that players like Dhoni and Bangar didn’t undermine the importance of running between the wickets.

“Most finishers in world cricket have realised the importance of singles, doubles. You look at Michael Bevan, look at MS Dhoni. They have this thing in common, which helps them win cricket matches. It’s not those fours and sixes. And that is the process that MS Dhoni follows,” he added.

Dhoni is currently plying his trade for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL). But his team are languishing at the bottom of the points table with three wins from 10 matches.