Published 12:18 IST, October 16th 2019
MS Dhoni reveals how India prepared for bowl-outs in World T20 in 2007
It was in the year 2007 that MS Dhoni had announced his arrival to the international cricket arena as India lifted the inaugural T20 World Cup in India
It was in the year 2007 that MS Dhoni had announced his arrival to the international cricket arena as India lifted the inaugural T20 World Cup in India after defeating arch-rivals Pakistan. MS Dhoni, who has been hailed as one of India's greatest skippers, made a landmark choice of handing the ball to Joginder Sharma in the 19th over of the finals, asking him to bowl the last over instead of using an experienced bowler, who in turn managed to dismiss Misbah-ul-Haq, helping India lift the inaugural T20 World Cup. Recently, MS Dhoni spoke about how the team had prepared for the World Cup in 2007 and the famous bowl-outs that saw India go defeat Pakistan in the group stage. The Indian skipper spoke about a wide range of topics from the World T20 in 2007 to how to control emotions, giving insights on how he went on to become 'Captain Cool'.
MS Dhoni spills the beans on how India practiced for bowl-outs
One of the most unique memories of cricket apart from the boundary count rule in the recently concluded controversial World Cup finals is the bowl-outs that were introduced as tie-breakers in the group stage matches at the 2007 World T20. MS Dhoni, while answering a question about how the Men in Blue had prepared for the bowl-outs, revealed that the team had made it a point to practice bowl-outs every day during their net sessions as it was a new concept and they had to be prepared to deal with it if it ever came into play. MS Dhoni went on to elaborate that many despite having regular bowlers in the team, other members were given a chance at the bowl-outs against Pakistan and it was backed by an experimented choice-making process. MS Dhoni also emphasized that India lifted the trophy in 2007 due to contributions from every individual of the team.
"We used to begin or end our practices with the bowl-outs. It was the first time such a thing was going to be used. while it used to be fun, we decided that the players who hit the stumps the most number of times in the net sessions will be used in the bowl-outs when the situation arises. We did not pick our regular bowlers but we picked those who gave us the best results. But we were prepared for it. Just like how we were prepared for the World T20. I believe that only a few individuals cannot deliver for the team and that every individual of the team should contribute - and that is the reason we won in 2007. A good run-out, an outstanding catch - such moments is evidence of teamwork and contributions of every individual of the team", said MS Dhoni.
MS Dhoni on break from cricket
The ace cricketer is reportedly on a break from cricketing action ever following India's defeat at the World Cup, earlier in July. While speculations around 'Captain Cool's' retirement have been doing rounds on media, the World Cup-winning captain has not revealed his plans for the future, while extending his break from the sport. Recently, MS Dhoni was seen playing billiards along with Baharagora MLA Kunal Sarangi at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA). MS Dhoni, who had earlier recused himself from India's tour of West Indies also opted out of South Africa's tour and is now expected to return to action in the limited-overs contest against West Indies in December.
Updated 12:44 IST, October 16th 2019