New Delhi: MS Dhoni’s unquestionable match awareness again came to fore during the Rising Pune Supergiant and Kings Punjab IPL match in Pune.
Of all the complaints against Dhoni with the bat, his keeping has more than made up for it in this season’s IPL. Whether it was a one handed flick to get Narine run out or the bullet throw to catch Karthik napping, Dhoni has been a standout behind the stumps.
On Sunday, Dhoni did not pull another showman-like stunt with the gloves but he did showcase his match awareness.
In the 14th over of the Kings XI innings, Unadkat got one to go on with the angle. Swapnil only managed to get an outside edge which went straight to Daniel Christain, standing at first slip. Chirstian though went with hard hands and the ball popped out. Dhoni was fully prepared with a hawk-like eye. He was quick to pounce on the ricochet. His joy after completing the dismissal was for everyone to see.
There was no joy for Punjab though. They were bowled out for their lowest ever IPL total of 73, which Pune knocked off with 9 wickets in hand. The Supergiant therefore, entered the playoffs as the No.2 side and Punjab were knocked out of the tournament.