India's ODI team had depended on Rahul Dravid to keep wickets for a long time, especially during the 2003 World Cup. Once the campaign was completed, Dravid wanted to step aside from keeping. Hence, the team management looked for multiple options. There was one man who was making his name in domestic and India-A matches - he had a soft debut in one of the matches against Bangladesh.
When Pakistan returned to India (after the Indian visit), MSD grabbed his opportunity with both hands at Vizag when he was promoted as the pinch-hitter. With Sehwag for company, there was carnage at both ends. With Sehwag doing most of the hitting early on, Dhoni was willing to wait for his opportunities. In the 14th over, Sehwag was dismissed with the score at 122. The placid pitch meant that the run-hitting continued for a longer period with Dravid supporting Dhoni. 356 was a steep target for the Pakistan team who tried their best to come close but in vain. Nehra and Yuvraj picked up wickets to take India to victory.
With this, started the Dhoni era officially. A career that has seen many highs both individually and as a captain. Dhoni has completed ten years in international cricket now but he would remember this match fondly for many reasons. This is the one opportunity that he waited for and when he received it, made it count. Just like he would go on to do many times more.
When Pakistan returned to India (after the Indian visit), MSD grabbed his opportunity with both hands at Vizag when he was promoted as the pinch-hitter. With Sehwag for company, there was carnage at both ends. With Sehwag doing most of the hitting early on, Dhoni was willing to wait for his opportunities. In the 14th over, Sehwag was dismissed with the score at 122. The placid pitch meant that the run-hitting continued for a longer period with Dravid supporting Dhoni. 356 was a steep target for the Pakistan team who tried their best to come close but in vain. Nehra and Yuvraj picked up wickets to take India to victory.
With this, started the Dhoni era officially. A career that has seen many highs both individually and as a captain. Dhoni has completed ten years in international cricket now but he would remember this match fondly for many reasons. This is the one opportunity that he waited for and when he received it, made it count. Just like he would go on to do many times more.
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