Dhoni would have been exceptional at number three: Gautam Gambhir
What's the story
Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been arguably the greatest finisher in the white-ball cricket. His powerful knocks down the order have time and again rescued Team India. However, his former teammate Gautam Gambhir believes Dhoni could have shattered plenty of records, had he continued to bat at number three. Here is what Gambhir said on Cricket Connected.
Quote
'Dhoni would have been a completely different player'
"Had MS batted at number three, probably world cricket would have seen a completely different player. He would have broken many records. He would have been the most exciting cricketer, had he not captained India and had he batted at number three," said Gambhir.
MS Dhoni
Dhoni is India's most successful ODI captain
MS Dhoni is the most successful ODI captain India have ever produced. In a career spanning nearly 15 years, the 38-year-old has tallied 17,266 runs from 538 internationals at an average of 44.96. He has also slammed 16 international tons. Dhoni also stands out among the elite list of Indian cricketers to have amassed over 10,000 runs in ODI cricket.
Number 3
Dhoni was promoted at number three by Sourav Ganguly
Dhoni made his international debut in an ODI against Bangladesh (2004). Following a string of low scores, he was promoted at number three by then-skipper Sourav Ganguly. The move worked big-time as Dhoni went on to score a century against Pakistan at Visakhapatnam. Months later, Dhoni registered his highest individual score (183*) in the Jaipur ODI against Sri Lanka, batting at number three.
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Dhoni in ODIs at number 3
In the following years, Dhoni continued to play in the middle order. It is interesting to note that Dhoni scored 993 runs from 17 ODIs at this number three spot. He averaged 82.75 and carried a strike-rate of 99.69.
Success
Dhoni could have broken most records
Gambhir said Dhoni would have found more success in contemporary cricket, batting up the order. "MS Dhoni batting at number three on flat wickets with the quality of bowling attack now in cricket. Look at Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and West Indies in the current situation, with the quality there is in international cricket, MS Dhoni would have broken most of the records," Gambhir concluded.