"Have taken a lot of advice from Mahi bhai" - When a top India all-rounder credited MS Dhoni for his success as a finisher
Former India captain MS Dhoni is regarded as one of the greatest finishers in the white-ball format, arguably the best ever. Few players have shown the calmness under intense pressure that the former India stumper displayed. However, apart from constantly evolving as a player and leader, Dhoni also guided the upcoming generation of cricketers and helped them find their feet at the top level.
Many successful international cricketers like Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, among others, have credited 'captain cool' for their success. During IPL 2017, Team India and Mumbai Indians all-rounder Hardik Pandya also acknowledged Dhoni's role in helping him learn and grow as a finisher.
“You can say one thing that I have taken a lot of advice from Mahi (MS Dhoni) Bhai. During the series against England, I had the opportunity to talk to Mahi Bhai often and I took a lot of suggestions from him regarding improvement on my batting as well as bowling,” Pandya was quoted as saying by One India.
“Playing as a finisher in the death overs in either One-Day international or in a T-20 match is very tough. It becomes a totally mental game at that time. Dhoni gave me some priceless suggestions as he said to calculate the remaining runs and overs left while going into bat,” the Baroda added.
Elaborating further on some of the other tips he received from the Indian legend, Pandya had revealed:
“Dhoni’s suggestion was not to look at the scoreboard after every delivery while batting. At the same time, Dhoni also gave tips on another thing. That was to make an assessment of the opponent bowlers. This helps to take possession on the pitch after going to bat. I am truly indebted to the former Indian skipper for his valuable suggestions."
Pandya had an impressive IPL 2017 season for Mumbai Indians. He scored 250 runs at an average of 35.71 and a strike rate of 156.25 and also picked up six wickets at an average of 35.50 and an economy rate of 8.19.
Pandya overcame a horror IPL 2024 season to play a stellar role in India's T20 World Cup win
Pandya had a forgettable IPL 2024 season for MI. Having been named as the franchise's new captain, he was booed and humiliated constantly by so-called fans. However, the all-rounder answered his detractors in the best fashion by playing a huge role in India's 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.
The 31-year-old scored 144 runs at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 151.57. With his pace bowling, he claimed 11 wickets at an average of 17.36, which included a best of 3-20 in the final against South Africa in Barbados.