Since the start of the year 2019, MS Dhoni has proved his worth with the bat after facing a long slump in his form. While playing against Australia in the three ODIs, Dhoni proved his worth, scoring three back-to-back half-centuries. Moreover, he was also given man of the match series for his performance, which played a key role for India to bag first-ever bilateral series in Australia.
Although there are no specific reasons behind Dhoni regaining his commendable batting form again, one possible secret has been out for the same. Dhoni has modified his bat, making its end more round and adding wood behind it. While batting along-side Rishbah Pant in the third T20 against Kiwis, a change in the shape of Dhoni’s bat could be noticed. It has been found that Dhoni made a significant modification to his bat, which can be the possible reason behind his great knocks in Australia and decent batting in New Zealand as well. Here’s a look at the bat from the 3rd T20 between India and New Zealand.
Below are photos of the bat Dhoni used to play with before 2018.
Pune: M S Dhoni during a practice session ahead of the 2nd ODI cricket match against New Zealand, in Pune.
Kolkata: Indian cricketer M S Dhoni in action during the 2nd ODI cricket match against Australia at Eden Garden in Kolkata in 2017. PTI Photo by Ashok Bhaumik
The difference can be easily seen among the bats. “He has made the modification to suit his areas of strength and to counter the areas in which bowlers have been targeting him. Basically, it is more wood at the bottom and back of the bat.” a source close to Dhoni’s management team informed Hindustan Times.
“Earlier, it was mainly about the sweet spot. The basic idea is to have more wood behind the ball in your preferred shots. More wood at the bottom will help in elevation and generate more power”, the source further said. “When your game is set, bowlers come up with a plan to counter and the batsman has to get a new plan. Or, it could be to play a particular shot better,” he added.
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Dhoni has been modifying his bat since last year’s Asia Cup in UAE, but the results have starting coming now when the bottom has been more rounded, and the old bat swing is back. Whether or not the modification of bat is the reason behind Dhoni’s comeback of form, it’s a great news for Indian cricket ahead of World Cup 2019.