5 times MS Dhoni played a 'Bazball' style innings in Tests
With Test cricket evolving toward a result-driven, aggressive approach, former Indian skipper MS Dhoni has expressed his admiration for this high-tempo, fearless play, popularly called “Bazball.” Dhoni, known for his attacking style and ability to shift momentum, praised how teams today embrace such strategies, turning even traditionally long, slow matches into thrilling spectacles.
Reflecting on the past, MS Dhoni admitted that earlier in his career, Test matches would sometimes slip into predictably drawn contests, particularly on the fifth day when results felt elusive. His appreciation for today’s bold playstyle speaks volumes of his own legacy of high-stakes, aggressive innings that often defined his approach.
"For me, the most difficult time during a Test match was the fifth day of a match which is the last day when you knew that 100% it is going to be a draw. I would still need to keep for nearly 2.5 sessions and that was the most tiring part. You see there is no result happening, you are just going through the motions. Yes, bowlers would like to take wickets, batters will try to score runs, [but] there is no result in the game," MS Dhoni recently said, as reported by News18.
"You think let’s finish this and go, why do I have to be here. So I love the fact there’s change in the way teams are playing Test cricket.” he further added.
On that note, let us look back at five times MS Dhoni brought this daring, “Bazball” approach to his Test innings.
5 times MS Dhoni played a 'Bazball' style innings in Tests
#5 69 vs West Indies, Antigua, 2006
In 2006, during India’s tour of the West Indies, MS Dhoni delivered a memorable 69 off just 52 balls in the first Test at Antigua. India had rebounded from a first-innings deficit and set out to build a substantial lead. Dhoni arrived at 419/5 and went after the bowling with audacious intent, hitting six sixes in his innings, including three consecutive ones off spinner Dave Mohammed.
He eventually attempted a fourth but was caught near the boundary, missing a chance for four sixes in a row. Dhoni’s 69 accelerated India’s innings and highlighted his fearless approach.
#4 92 vs England, The Oval, 2007
In the third Test at The Oval against England in 2007, Dhoni once again demonstrated his aggressive flair, scoring 92 off just 81 balls. Batting at a brisk strike rate of 113.58, Dhoni hammered nine fours and four sixes. His dynamic play was essential in building India’s total to 664, and although he narrowly missed a century, his innings significantly bolstered the Indian scorecard. The match ended in a draw, but Dhoni’s knock was a reminder of his ability to counter-attack with impressive efficacy, establishing his reputation as a powerful hitter in Tests as well.
#3 51* vs Bangladesh, Mirpur, 2007
In a dominant performance against Bangladesh in Mirpur in 2007, Dhoni played a rapid 51* off just 50 balls to further India’s formidable first-innings total. With hundreds already from Dinesh Karthik, Wasim Jaffer, Rahul Dravid, and Sachin Tendulkar, Dhoni took on the Bangladeshi attack, striking four sixes and three fours to power India to 610/3 declared.
This half-century not only highlighted MS Dhoni’s ability to accelerate the innings in the closing stages but also reflected his intent to capitalize on any opportunity to score swiftly. India went on to win by an innings and 239 runs, a victory made even sweeter by Dhoni’s quick-fire cameo.
#2 148 vs Pakistan, Faisalabad, 2006
In the 2006 Test series against Pakistan, MS Dhoni’s innings of 148 at Faisalabad was a memorable exhibition of aggressive Test batting. Facing a tall Pakistani score of 588, Dhoni countered with an explosive 148 off just 153 balls, including 19 fours and four sixes, and maintained a strike rate close to 97. He paired brilliantly with Irfan Pathan, guiding India to a strong 603 in reply.
Dhoni’s knock was a significant statement, demonstrating his potential to redefine Test batting with an aggression rare in Indian cricket at the time. His partnership with Pathan allowed India to steer toward a draw, with Dhoni’s batting heroics being a major highlight.
#1 224 vs Australia, Chennai, 2013
MS Dhoni’s 224 against Australia in the Chennai Test is perhaps one of the best innings in Test cricket. Walking in when India were on 196/4, Dhoni unleashed a thrilling knock, changing the match’s trajectory. His historic 224 runs came off 265 balls, at a strike rate of 84.52, with 24 fours and six sixes.
This was the first time an Indian wicketkeeper crossed the 200-run mark in Tests, a monumental achievement that guided India to a massive 572 as they took a significant 192-run lead. Dhoni’s performance didn’t just swing the game but set the tone for the series as well, and he was rightfully named the Man of the Match as India triumphed by eight wickets.