Former South African skipper AB de Villiers has claimed that MS Dhoni is the best finisher of all time in the limited-overs format. AB picked the former Indian skipper ahead of himself as the best finisher. Dhoni savored great success while batting in the lower middle order for the national team during his heydays.
The right-hander from Ranchi was always two steps ahead of the opposition and he was known to take the game deep. Dhoni scored 10773 runs in 350 ODI matches for the Indian team at an average of 50.57 whereas he amassed 1617 runs in 98 T20I matches at an average of 37.60.
Dhoni scored 3169 runs in 83 OD innings while batting at number five at an average of 50.30. The former Indian skipper amassed 4164 runs in 129 ODI innings at an average of 47.31 while batting at number six.
Furthermore, he remained unbeaten on 74 occasions while batting at number five or below.
“Obviously me (laughs). No, I would say definitely MS Dhoni. I love watching him play,” De Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
“There’s always been a big debate over who’s the best finisher – me or him? We can settle it now – I say MS is the best finisher. I am very happy to give credit where credit is due. For CSK in the T20s and IPL and for India in all formats of the game – just a fantastic person, just a fantastic man. A great role model for all cricket players around the world,” the 39-year-old further added.
Dhoni has also savored great success in the IPL while leading Chennai Super Kings to five titles. The talisman has scored 5082 runs in 250 IPL matches at an impressive average of 38.79.
Furthermore, AB de Villiers recalled MS Dhoni’s knock in the final of the 2011 World Cup.
“The things he has pulled off in the 2011 World Cup – hitting that straight six to win the World Cup. That will be engraved in my mind forever. MS has done it so many times in all formats of the game,” the South African concluded.
Dhoni was a whole package and delivered as a finisher, captain and a wicket-keeper for Team India during his glorious career.