Image: MS Dhoni gave Pant a pep talk post-match after Pant's captaincy faced criticism / © Times of India
In the game of cricket, MS Dhoni will always be seen as a figure who has achieved a lot and possesses vast knowledge of the game. His aura and leadership have made him a revered figure, not just in India but across the cricketing world. The way Dhoni handled pressure and steered his team to victory in the IPL match against Lucknow Super Giants, with a blistering 26 runs off just 11 balls, is a testament to his unmatched finishing ability. Once again, he reminded everyone why he is regarded as one of the best finishers in the history of cricket.
However, beyond his performance with the bat, it was his interaction with Rishabh Pant after the match that caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. Despite his undeniable success as a captain, Dhoni was seen engaging in a brief but meaningful conversation with Pant during the post-match handshake. This moment provided a glimpse into the camaraderie and learning that takes place between two of the most exciting cricketers in India.
Rishabh Pant, who is still evolving as a captain, faced criticism for some tactical decisions during the match, especially for not bowling out Ravi Bishnoi, who was having a strong spell. While Pant defended his decisions in the post-match interview, the image of Dhoni offering guidance to him speaks volumes. It’s not just about the runs or the tactics; it’s the experience and the leadership lessons that Dhoni has accumulated over the years that make him a valuable mentor to younger players like Pant.
As in the match between the Lucknow Super Giants and the Chennai Super Kings, it was clear that the game had been a challenging one for Rishabh Pant and his team. Despite the best efforts of MS Dhoni and Shivam Dube, the task of defending 167 runs was always going to be tricky, especially when the two veteran players were in their element. Dhoni, with his impeccable finishing skills, and Dube, who played a crucial knock, had already brought the game into balance.
However, the one crucial decision that became a talking point was Pant’s failure to bowl out Ravi Bishnoi, who had been impressive with the ball. While Dhoni’s strategic awareness helped him seal the victory, Pant’s captaincy came under scrutiny. Despite Bishnoi’s excellent figures of 2 wickets for 18 runs in 3 overs, Pant opted to continue with pace bowlers Shardul Thakur and Avesh Khan in the crucial stages of the match. This decision ultimately proved costly, as Thakur conceded 56 runs in his 4 overs, and Avesh Khan was hit for 32 in just 3.3 overs.
With the match still in the balance, Pant’s choice not to bowl Bishnoi for a final over, especially with Dhoni at the crease, raised several questions. Pant defended his decision post-match, stating that the move had been discussed with the team, and they opted to stick with pace. However, this is where Pant could learn a valuable lesson from Dhoni: understanding the game situation and making tactical decisions based on the situation, not just the strategy. In the post-match presentation, Rishabh Pant said:
We feel we were 10-15 runs short, we kept losing wickets, whenever momentum was there we kept losing wickets and we couldn’t get a partnership. The wicket was nice to bat on; stopping a bit, we could have got ten runs more. Feeling better about my batting with every game… getting into the rhythm. There was a lot of time I thought about bowling Bishnoi, but I discussed with other players and thought, let’s take it deeper….
Dhoni’s experience and intuition allowed him to take charge when it mattered, and his presence in such critical moments has made him one of the most successful captains in the history of the game. This instance serves as a reminder for Pant to improve his leadership qualities, especially when it comes to assessing the game and making bold, game-changing decisions.