Dhoni hailed as cricket's greatest finisher

Sudhir Gupta 12:22 12/05/2014
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  • Finishing touches: MS Dhoni has made a name for himself as one of the finest batsmen at the latter stages of an ODI innings.

    Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming believes his captain Mahendra Singh is a master at finishing games.

    The former New Zealand captain rated Dhoni ahead of Australian left-hander Michael Bevan, who was considered amongst the best finishers in limited-overs cricket.

    Fleming expressed his views after Dhoni had calmly collected 11 runs in the final over, bowled by Kieron Pollard, to seal a six-wicket victory against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.

    It ended Mumbai’s 10-match winning run in the Indian Premier League at their home ground, which had began in 2012.

    “He [Dhoni] has got wonderful skills to finish the game. Look at his composure," said Fleming.

    “That stands out more than anything else. He just backs himself to get 10, probably 15, may be even 20 runs in that last over and he just paces himself and gives confidence to the guys at the other end.

    “AB de Villiers probably fits in that category (as a finisher) as well. But Dhoni has consistently done it for so long and for all teams.

    “He stands out. Bevan was a craftsman. Dhoni has got the power aspect as well that puts him ahead.

    “His composure under intense pressure when the game is on the line is something we really treasure as a side, and it’s just not a one or two off, he does it not once but regularly for all sides he plays for.

    “It’s a gift. We are very grateful we had that sort of finishing power along with the smarts."

    Chennai, who have 14 points from nine matches, share the top spot in the IPL standings with Kings XI Punjab.

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