Stuart Binny Reveals What MS Dhoni Told Him During His Test Debut

Indian all-rounder Stuart Binny’s international career began under the leadership of MS Dhoni. While he made his ODI debut in January 2014, it was not until July 2014 that Stuart Binny received his maiden Test cap. The all-rounder played a match-saving knock of 78 on his first Test appearance before which the captain requested him something.

Also Read: You Can’t Ask For Better Days Than That: Stuart Binny On His Bowling Spell Of 6/4

It was during India’s fateful tour of England in 2014 comprising of five Tests that Stuart Binny donned the whites for the first time. In response to India’s 457, England replied with 496 in Nottingham. India could have had a lead of more than 100 comfortably if not for the last wicket stand of 198 between Joe Root and James Anderson. Root scored 154 while Anderson constructed an invaluable 81.

India collapsed in their second innings to 184-6 before half-centuries from Binny and Bhuvneshwar Kumar shepherded them to safety. The tourists eventually declared at 391-9 with the clash resulting in a draw. Binny also bowled ten overs in the game without any wicket.

In a conversation with Indranil Basu on the Facebook live page, Stuart Binny recalled the special day as he received his first Test cap. He claimed that India were under pressure on the last day, himself including, who only scored 1 in the first innings.

“A special day in my life, to receive my Test cap #281 from Mahi bhai. We were under the pump on the last day. I had scored 1 in the first innings I had a sleepless night before I walked in to bat,” Binny stated.

Under such circumstances, MS Dhoni asked the debutant to bat for 4.5 hours to save the Test match. Binny recalled giving his captain an incredulous look, hearing that statement.

“And Mahi bhai told me, ‘Listen, we need you to bat 4.5 hours to save the Test match’. And I looked at him like I can’t believe he said something like that to me,” he added.

At that stage, I knew I belonged: Stuart Binny

After hearing such words from MS Dhoni, the 36-year old was even more nervous as he did not have the runs under his belt and was confused. It was after batting for two hours and when on 36, Binny claimed to have regained confidence.

“I was nervous and wasn’t even thinking clearly. I hadn’t got runs. I didn’t know what I was doing and my mind was so muddled. But slowly I got some confidence. I batted for around two hours and I was on around 36. At that stage, I knew I belonged,” the Karanataka-born mentioned.

He further said that 8-9 years of hard work in domestic cricket helped him to save the Test for India in England. Binny stated he would have loved to get a century that day; however, he would anyway take a match-saving knock.

“8-9 years of domestic cricket at that spot, either saving matches or trying to put a game on. And experience got me through that day. I would have loved to have a Test hundred on debut but it didn’t work out that day. I’ll take a 78 any day of my life,” he added.

Also Read: MS Dhoni Should Come Back In The Indian Team If He Is Fit And In Form: Gautam Gambhir