"We Always Talk About MS Dhoni's Captaincy But Not His Finishing Ability With The Bat" - Ravichandran Ashwin

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin drew attention towards former skipper, MS Dhoni’s ability to finish games, claiming that it’s always his captaincy that is spoken about but not his finishing skills.

It is not a surprise that Dhoni is considered one of the greatest captains ever but what goes unnoticed most of the time is the calm and composed demeanor in which he used to finish matches for India.

“Today, people are raving about CSK and their success. A lot is being said about Dhoni’s captaincy. However, apart from his captaincy, there is a skill that has taken a back seat over the years, that is not being spoken much about. We always talk about his captaincy, his Midas touch, but his finishing ability with the bat is not spoken about much,” Ashwin told on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin gave a certain scenario and the manner in which Dhoni would approach a run chase. It is well-known that Dhoni prefers taking the match to the final over where he believes he always has the upper hand.

“In a situation where 60 is needed off 20 balls, he goes to the middle and smashes a couple of sixes and a couple of boundaries. He brings down the equation to l5 from the last over. We have seen this quite a few times in this past. CSK loses that game, the campaign would stutter. I have seen such scenarios.”

“In such games, we have seen Dhoni finishing in the last over, that is an inspiration. That lifts the team morale up. Suddenly from the lower half of the table, CSK would have 10 points from 10 games. That will help transform their campaign,” he added.

Ravichandran Ashwin gives examples of other finishers in the IPL

Although Dhoni is one of a kind when it comes to run chases, Ashwin mentioned that there are other finishers who can have a similar impact in the IPL.

“That’s why these finishers are important, that’s why Mumbai Indians never let go off Kieron Pollard. He has closed so many games for MI. Andre Russell is also another such player,” Ashwin added.

The IPL 2022 mega auction will be held on February 12 & 13 in Bengaluru.

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