The ‘City of Pearls’ is all set to host the final of the 10th edition of the Vivo Indian Premier League on Sunday (April 21). Rising Pune Supergiant has already booked a berth in the final by virtue of its win over two-time champion Mumbai Indians in the Qualifier 1.
And, the man who has played a lead role in the team’s wins in the last few games is none other than the immensely popular gem called M.S. Dhoni.
Despite the presence of big guns from across the world, including the likes of Australian Steve Smith, it will be not out of place to mention that it is Dhoni who will be the cynosure of all eyes — not just for his amazing skills with the bat but for his invaluable inputs to skipper Smith and also his ‘smart’ style of wicket-keeping.
Crowd-puller
The way Dhoni is cheered when fans spot him — be it during the warm-up sessions before the games or when he goes out to bat — is a definite reminder of how big a crowd-puller he is.
And it is not just his popularity which the Pune camp should look to, but also Dhoni’s brilliance with the willow in the death overs which is more significant. Despite rusty starts, by his own standards, Dhoni has served reminders — if needed — thrice during the business-end of this IPL season that he is a force to reckon with.
“On his day we all know how destructive MS (Dhoni) can be in the death overs,” said Sunrisers’ mentor V.V.S. Laxman the other day.
And Laxman should know better as Sunrisers Hyderabad was at the receiving end of his batting prowess twice in this edition.
He is one of those extraordinary cricketers whose skills transcend all barriers — mental and geographical. Dhoni is at ‘home’ anywhere he plays for he very rarely changes his approach.
For any superstar in the world of sports, failure is not alien.
But when Pune enters the field for the final, Smith and his boys should not be faulted if they wish for another vintage Dhoni performance.
