Ricky Ponting: MS Dhoni will finish as one of the Game’s Greatest Finishers
Following his team’s tight loss in Qualifier 1 of the playoffs against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Ricky Ponting heaped admiration on opposing skipper MS Dhoni for his magnificent appearance, which helped his team reach the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 final. Dhoni was at his best, hitting an unbeaten 18 off just six balls while also smacking the winning boundary. During the post-match press conference, Ponting said he was “very sure” Dhoni would try to complete the match for Chennai. The former Australian captain also described the 2011 World Cup winner as “one of the game’s greatest finishers.”
“Look, I believe he was one of the all-time greats, without a doubt. It was a moment tonight where we were debating in the dugout whether Jadeja or Dhoni should come next “, he explained.
“I immediately threw my hand up and said that I’m quite sure Dhoni will come out now and try to seal the win,” he continued.
With Chennai needing 19 off nine balls and chasing a total of 173, Dhoni came to bat in the penultimate over, ahead of Ravindra Jadeja.
Dhoni blasted the final delivery for a six over deep mid-wicket with two balls left in the 19th over.
On the first delivery of the 20th over, DC pacer Tom Curran dismissed Moeen Ali. Dhoni was able to go on strike when the ball went towards the outfield, with Jadeja at the non-striker’s end.
CSK moved to the final with two balls to spare thanks to the former India captain’s three straight fours, with a wide ball in between.
Ponting explained why DC’s bowlers struggled against Dhoni, saying, “In those last few of overs, we perhaps didn’t execute as well as we needed to against him. You’re well aware that if you miss, he’ll make you pay. He’s been doing it for a long time, and I believe our bowlers simply missed their spots, and he certainly made us pay for it.”
“When he’s done and retired, I believe he’ll be known as one of the greatest finishers in the history of the game,” he continued.