MS Dhoni, BCCI, India, India vs Australia 2019
MS Dhoni hogged the limelight in Ranchi ahead of the 3rd ODI against Australia. Image Courtesy: Getty

The veteran India cricketer, MS Dhoni hit top form during Australia ODIs; scoring three fifties, also remaining unbeaten on two occasions. His scores – 51, 55* and 87* saw him averaging a staggering 193 in three matches. Later, on the New Zealand tour, he scored an unbeaten 48 in the second ODI before hitting 39 and 20 not out in the final two T20Is. Apparently, he was getting runs, unlike the last year where Dhoni didn’t hit a single fifty in the ODIs. So there has to be a success mantra behind it. What is it? Let’s find out.

Dhoni has modified his bat to find success

From last year’s Asia Cup in the UAE, MS Dhoni has been using a different-toed bat. Even in the second T20I, which India won by seven wickets; Dhoni was seen carrying the bat whose end was more round. Meanwhile, Pant’s bat-toe was flat, like that of other batsmen – Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Dhoni, however, had modified his willow and thus has been finding success since then. Though Asia Cup didn’t see the best of MSD from the willow, the fans in Australia and New Zealand had their cut of share. However, when asked the bat-makers about the pros and cons, a few of the answers got cleared. Not only this, a source close to the Indian dressing room revealed the real reason behind it, and how Dhoni has benefited his game by doing so.

“He has made the modification to suit his areas of strength and to counter the areas in which bowlers have been targeting him,” said a source close to his management team.

MS Dhoni, Australia, New Zealand
MS Dhoni modified his bat to find success in the limited-overs. Image Courtesy: Getty

Dhoni added more wood to bat to get elevation, power

The source then said more wood has been added to the bottom and back of the bat. Previously, it was about the sweet spot but now it about the preferred shots; as more wood would eventually help in elevation and generate more power.

“Basically, it is more wood at the bottom and back of the bat. Earlier, it was mainly about the sweet spot. The basic idea is to have more wood behind the ball in your preferred shots. More wood at the bottom will help in elevation and generate more power.

“When your game is set, bowlers come up with a plan to counter and the batsman has to get a new plan. Or, it could be to play a particular shot better,” he said.

Meanwhile, MS Dhoni will now take part in the limited-overs series against Australia at home.

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