Indian skipper M S Dhoni is without a shadow of doubt India's most successful captain in all formats of the game. It is also no secret that Dhoni has been known for his luck as captain as whatever he has tried in his stint as captain has turned into gold. Dhoni of late has been lucky for his team mates especially his batting partners at the other end. Dhoni has been part of two historic moments in a span of just over 2 months.
Moment 1:- 24th February 2010 at Gwalior: India were looking to seal the series at South Africa in the second one dayer at Gwalior having won the first one dayer. When Dhoni came to the crease at 3 for 300 after 41.1 overs and Sachin Tendulkar was batting on 168. With a rampaging Sachin Tendulkar tiring because of cramps, Dhoni took upon himself the dual task of hitting out the South African bowlers to ensure that Sachin Tendulkar reaches 200. Dhonis unbeaten 68 of 35 deliveries and his partnership of 101 in 8.5 overs ensured that Sachin Tendulkar comfortably reached his double century while taking the Indian score to 401. While it was a historic moment for Sachin and millions across the world, to be at the non strike rate was no less historic for Dhoni. To make the event more memorable Sachin and Dhoni remained unbeaten and India went on to win the match comfortably to finish the season as the No.2 team in the world.
Monent 2: 2nd May 2010 St. Lucia:- Exactly after 67 days, in a T20 league match against South Africa in the ongoing world cup, Suresh Raina became the first Indian and only the third player in the history of T20 internationals, to score a century in T20 internationals. Yet again Dhoni was at the non strikers end when Suresh Raina hit a six to reach the milestone. Incidentally Sachin Tendulkar reached his 200th run with a single and though both batsmen took contrasting routes to reach their milestones the common factor was M S Dhoni was at the crease and on both occassions Dhoni finished unbeaten. Dhoni yet again made a contribution finishing with a unbeaten 16 of a mere 16 deliveries.
It may also be recalled that when Yuvraj Singh hit those world record six sixes in an over of Englishman Stuart World in T20 World Cup at Durban on 19th Septemer 2007, M S Dhoni was at the non strikers end. Incidentally Dhoni finished unbeaten on 16 in that match as well.
If any Indian batsmen is nearing a historic milestone it would not be a bad idea to pray for M S Dhoni a his batting partner.