Ajit Agarkar Highlights Two Players Who Changed The Concept Of Run-Chase In ODIs

Former Indian bowling all-rounder Ajit Agarkar has named two players in the nation, who changed the concept of run-chasing in ODIs. Ajit Agarkar was part of Sourav Ganguly’s team that tasted a fair amount of success across formats.

It was Sourav Ganguly, who set the tone for the rest of the generations to create exploits. Agarkar played his last international game in 2007.

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Ajit Agarkar picked MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh as the two players, who changed the concept of run-chasing in ODIs. Yuvraj Singh retired from international cricket in June 2019 while MS Dhoni called time on his top-level career two days ago. The iconic pair were integral to India’s chances in the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 50-over World Cup, both of which the men in blue won.

Ajit Agarkar underlined that the duo altered the concept of chasing in One-day internationals (ODIs). The former Mumbai paceman stated that they were so excellent in the department that teams chose to field first after winning the coin toss.

“Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh changed the concept of chasing in ODIs. They were so good at it that after their success, other teams also started to field first on winning the toss,” Ajit Agarkar told Hindustan Times.

Ajit Agarkar recalls some memorable innings off MS Dhoni’s bat:

Ajit Agarkar proceeded to recollect the knock of 183 off 145 deliveries against Sri Lanka in 2005 in pursuit of 298. The innings from keeper-batsman contained ten sixes as he batted at number three to drive the hosts to victory.

The 42-year old went on to remember his innings of 72 off 46 balls in Lahore against a reputed bowling attack of Pakistan that helped gunned down 289. The 39-year old shared an unbeaten of 102 in that game.

“His 183 not out (145 balls) versus Sri Lanka at Jaipur (2005) and the chase at Lahore (ODI vs Pakistan, 2006)—Sri Lanka had posted a massive total (298/4) and Dhoni batted at No. 3 and won it. The atmosphere in the dressing room went crazy when he started smashing sixes (10). At Lahore too, Pakistan had posted a very good total (288/8) and their bowlers were in fine rhythm. Dhoni finished it off (72* off 46 balls) with a big partnership with Yuvraj,” he added.

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