Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni played his 300th ODI in the 4th ODI between India and Sri Lanka. He became only the 6th Indian player to enter the elite club.
Undoubtedly, Dhoni is the legend of the game not only in India but in world cricket. In recent times, while Dhoni made runs, critics kept on saying that he has lost the Midas touch of winning games at will.
However, during the Sri Lanka series, Mahi had brought about a very specific change in his game and it is nothing but his pads.
Earlier, Dhoni use to wear Morrant pads, but now swiftly shifted to the regular ones, which are used by the majority of the batsmen all over the world.
Former India batsman Aakash Chopra explained the difference between the two pads while an interaction with ESPNcricinfo. He said, “Dhoni changed the pads because he feels his left knee, which is the front knee while batting, is not flexing freely as the Morrant pads have just two straps and the top one is right behind the knee. The straps stop the bend of the knee and hence the batsman sometimes feels uncomfortable leaning forward.”
He further added, “The regular pads allow the batsman more free flexion as compared the Morrant ones as they have three straps. While Morrants are 200 grams lighter than regulars and allow swift movement of the leg, regular ones are easy on knees. This could be done by MS Dhoni to play the spinners in a better way.”
Remember, Dhoni is one of the swiftest movers between the wickets. His lighter pads helped him a great deal in making sure he converted singles into doubles. But Dhoni stands at a point of time, where he needs to make sure that he does not miss those potential singles with the bat. The one which helps him take forward the innings together.
Ageing like a fine wine comes with its own fair share of tweaks and turns. Dhoni is standing at one such turn right now.
Here is Dhoni practicing in regular pads against the spinners. Watch his knees.
We are all set for @msdhoni's milestone match. Are you? #MSD300 pic.twitter.com/j8hJZh7Swf
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 31, 2017
