When the going got tough, Dhoni dug in deep — reliving the former skipper’s most memorable knocks against England in their own backyard
MS Dhoni’s Test career is often overshadowed by his white-ball heroics. The helicopter shots. The ice-cold finishes. The World Cup-winning sixes. However, if you go back a little, you’ll find that his Test journey had its fair share of golden moments — especially on English soil.
Across 12 Tests in England, Dhoni scored 778 runs at an average of 37.04 — nearly identical to his career average. More importantly, he made it count when India needed someone to step up. When others fell like dominoes, Dhoni often held the fort. Quietly. Calmly. Classily.
Here are three of his most gritty, game-saving — and sometimes match-defining — knocks in England.
Credit: India.com
India was flying high at 1–0 in the five-match series. But things unravelled quickly at Old Trafford. Opting to bat first, India was reduced to 8 for 4 within 6 overs. It was a disaster in the making.
In walked Dhoni, with wickets tumbling at the other end. He witnessed Rahane fall at 62-4. Then Jadeja walked back for a duck. At 63-6, England sensed an opportunity.
But Dhoni stood firm. He slowed things down and rebuilt. A 66-run partnership with Ravi Ashwin helped India surpass 150. Dhoni’s own contribution — a stoic 71 off 133 balls — was marked by soft hands and sharp eyes. No risk, just resolve.
India managed only 152 in the first innings. Dhoni’s fight had earned them a score to bowl at. Unfortunately, the team collapsed again and lost by an innings. Still, the captain had displayed character when the side was falling apart.
Credit: Crictracker
India had lost the 2007 ODI World Cup earlier that year, and confidence was low. In the first Test at Lord’s, England posted 298 in their first innings. India responded with a mere 201, giving the hosts a 97-run lead.
In the fourth innings, while chasing survival, India was 5 down for 145 by lunch on Day 5. Enter MS Dhoni. He took his time, read the pitch, and batted with composure. His partnership with VVS Laxman was crucial, yet the wickets kept falling.
Rain played its part, indeed. But Dhoni remained unbeaten on 76 off 159 balls, refusing to succumb. When others faltered, he absorbed pressure like a sponge. The match concluded in a draw, but it felt like a victory for India — and Dhoni.
Credit: NDTV
India was already 2–0 down in the series and arrived in Birmingham aiming to save face. However, once again, the top order faltered. At 100 for 6, things appeared bleak.
Dhoni opted for the attack as his defence, putting together a brisk 84-run partnership with Praveen Kumar while hitting 10 fours and 3 sixes. His innings of 77 from just 96 balls lifted India to a respectable 224 from a dire situation.
Undoubtedly, England’s colossal 710/7 declared dashed any hopes of a comeback. Nonetheless, Dhoni’s innings shone brightly — for the intent, the fight, and the pride he exhibited.
