Former India opening batsman Gautam Gambhir recently recalled his first impression of Former India skipper MS Dhoni. Gambhir and Dhoni played a fair share of their international together in the Indian jersey starting from the 2007 World T20 to the 2011 World Cup, the teammates who didn’t quite share the friendliest of bonds represented the Indian side in more than 100 matches together.
Majority of the Indians had the first glimpse of the Ranchi born MS Dhoni during India’s A tour of Kenya in 2004, a reference of which is also mentioned in the biopic ‘MS Dhoni the Untold Story’. In that particular tour which was Dhoni’s first appearance, he smashed 363 runs against full sides of Kenya and Pakistan in the tri-nation tournament. In the same tour, Gambhir also featured for India A side wherein even he had the first glimpse of India’s upcoming wicket-keeper-batsman.
Also Read: Former India Coach Opines on Technical Deficiency in Prithvi Shaw’s Game
Everyone knew MS Dhoni was someone who could hit the long ball and keep wickets: Gautam Gambhir
Recently appearing on Star Sports ‘Cricket Connected’ show, Gautam Gambhir recalled his first impression of MS Dhoni, he said that the way Dhoni was hitting the ball in Kenya, everyone knew he was someone who could hit the long ball and keep wickets for the side.
“We went on an India A tour to Kenya and Zimbabwe. We played a triangular series against Pakistan A and Kenya. The way he was hitting the ball we all knew he was someone who could keep wicket and hit the ball that long and that far,” Gambhir said on Star Sports show Cricket Connected.
Gautam Gambhir further added how it wasn’t normal in India to produce those wicket-keepers who could hit the ball hard which is why MS Dhoni was so phenomenal as he quite successfully fulfilled the role for the Indian side for years.
“That was not normal for any Indian wicket-keeper to do because before that we had brilliant keepers, but never those hard-hitting players who could hit those 100-meter sixes. He was phenomenal and that’s the reason he’s achieved what he has,” Gambhir added.
Also Read: Watch – Shubman Gill Hits The Nets Ahead Of Second Test In Melbourne