The Rare Six: An Unforgettable MS Dhoni Innings Opener

MS Dhoni's ability to enthral Indian cricket fans is unmatched. His mastery of the six, a testament to his power and skill, has made him a beloved player. However, what makes his cricket even more memorable is that he has never started an innings with a six, until an extraordinary moment in T20 cricket. Let's delve into the story of that rare and unforgettable experience.

Rare Beginnings: MS Dhoni's Unprecedented Six at the Innings Start

MS Dhoni has been associated with sixes, one of the defining characteristics of his batting style. He is famously known for slamming the ball out of the ground, often finishing his innings with a powerful six. Nevertheless, the record only shows him starting an innings with a six on one singular occasion, making it a remarkable event in his career. This instance happened during India's first T20I against New Zealand.

Context and Setting

The match took place on November 1, 2017, at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi. New Zealand won the toss and elected to field first, an intelligent choice given the presence of two sure-footed openers in Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma. India's top-order duo batted with poise and scored diligently, setting a solid total of 202 in 20 overs.

The Turning Point: Dhoni's Historic Shot

When Dhoni came to the crease in the last over of his team's innings, the pitch was under pressure for him to play mindfully. Tim Southee of New Zealand was tasked with bowling the final over, and Dhoni had to navigate a challenging situation. The 20th over fell with Southee delivering the third ball of the over.

Southee bowled a slower delivery that pitched up and perfectly set Dhoni up. The batter was waiting for this exact moment and swung hard towards the cow corner. Despite the ball not being struck off the middle, the power of Dhoni's shot propelled it out of the ground dramatically. The ball whistled past the boundary rope, and the crowd erupted in a roar of excitement, a thrilling moment that added sportswriting gold to his already illustrious career.

Implications and Significance

This six at the beginning of an innings is a rarity in cricket. While Dhoni is well-known for hitting powerful sixes towards the end of innings, starting an innings the same way is unheard of. This unique moment illustrates his unparalleled power and batting abilities under pressure. It also cemented Dhoni's place in cricketers' lore as a player capable of conquering all situations with his sheer will and talent.

Further Insights: MS Dhoni's Innings

For those interested in cricket history, another match worth highlighting is MS Dhoni's third ODI against Bangladesh in 2004. While not as groundbreaking as his T20I six, it highlights another memorable innings by the legendary captain. The full scorecard and commentary of this match offer further insights into Dhoni's batting prowess.

In conclusion, the fact that MS Dhoni started an innings with a six is a testament to his exceptional talent and unique batting style. This rare occurrence, along with his many other memorable innings, makes him a standout player in the history of Indian cricket.