Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke today heaped praise on former Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and said MSD always performed on those occasions when his team required him the most. Michael Clarke’s this statement came a day after MS Dhoni played a vital knock to guide his team Rising Pune Supergiant into the finals of Indian Premier League season 10 after beating Mumbai Indians by 20 runs.
“MS Dhoni is one of the few batsmen who stands up on big occasions consistently,” Michael Clarke told India Today.
Earlier on May 16, during Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League season 10 between RPS and MI, MS Dhoni came into bat at number 5, after the fall of Ajinkya Rahane wicket. Dhoni struggled at the start but quickly turned the things around in Pune’s favour as he played an important knock 40 not-out off just 26 balls to help RPS post a fighting total of 162 runs on the board. His inning was laced with 5 massive sixes.
Following his superb form and fitness former Indian skipper too made it to Indian squad for the ICC Champions Trophy starting in June in England and Wales. On his selection in the 15-member squad, Michael Clarke said: “ Team India have made a smart decision in picking him for the tournament.”
“He deserves to be there. He is the best wicketkeeper in the country. His batting is still as good as it always was,” India Today quoted Clarke as saying.
On his batting position, Clarke said that Dhoni should bat at number 5 position. “Kohli should get Dhoni to bat consistently at No.5 so he could have the kind of impact Andrew Symonds did for Australia,” Clarke said.
Clarke further said that Dhoni will have to play a key role if India are hoping to lift the trophy.
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