Recently, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recalled how extremely prudent MS Dhoni was against England in the 2013 Champions Trophy final at Edgbaston. Dhoni provided the tactical insight India needed to win a 20-over match that was cut short due to rain, while they were defending a meagre score of 129.
Dhoni was in charge and was able to pass the ball to Ashwin for the last over of the powerplay, with England at 27/1 after five overs. The seasoned off-spinner enticed Jonathan Trott out of his crease with a wide down the leg side. Trott was dismissed as the captain had previously predicted thanks to Dhoni’s deft and precise glovework behind the wickets.
Mahi bhai approached me and told me to bowl from around the wicket instead than over the stumps to Trott. I can still clearly recall that. If the ball rotates while he tries to play on the leg side, he will be stumped. During JioHotstar’s Unbeaten: Dhoni’s Dynamites, Ashwin expressed his amazement at Dhoni’s foresight and lookout, saying, “I still can’t believe how he predicted that.”
The removal of Trott turned out to be a crucial moment in India’s outstanding bowling effort, which is rather remarkable. England failed, scoring just 124/8 in their 20 overs, giving India a convincing five-run victory. This victory became noteworthy as India won their second Champions Trophy after their joint victory with Sri Lanka in 2002. The magic of Dhoni doesn’t end here. Dhoni’s leadership was also praised by former India batsman and wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik.
“We had the opportunity to demonstrate the significance of cricket to Team India. Karthik remembered, “Even though England was cruising, Dhoni made some excellent tactical decisions, and the bowlers supported him.”
Dhoni believed in Ashwin’s abilities and intelligence: Aakash Chopra.
Aakash Chopra, a cricket commentator, too praised MS Dhoni’s leadership. He claimed that it was extremely brave and mind-blowing to have a spinner bowl the last over. Chopra, however, attributed Dhoni’s confidence in Ashwin’s bowling prowess and his mental toughness.
“He was the winner of this tournament. Despite the significant risk involved in tossing the ball to a spinner in the 20th over, MS Dhoni had faith in Ashwin’s ability and fortitude.
In 2017, India made it to the final once more, but things abruptly changed as they lost badly to Pakistan. The opening match of the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 will take place on February 19, with Pakistan, the hosts, taking against New Zealand.
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