The Hindu : Sport : Dhoni and Pietersen — ideal modern day cricketers

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Dhoni and Pietersen — ideal modern day cricketers

Nandita Sridhar

Both can set the template for Test captaincy

— Photo: K. Pichumani

CUP OF JOY: Skippers M.S. Dhoni and Kevin Pietersen will vie for the RBS Cup, which was unveiled at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday.

Chennai: Kevin Pietersen’s unquestionable batting talent and confidence is reflected in an expansive spread of shots. Along similar lines, M.S. Dhoni’s self assurance has lent itself to his growth as a batsman.

As batsmen, Pietersen and Dhoni embody the ideal modern day cricketer — fearless, deceptively reliable and with a healthy love for the game.

As one would expect of batsmen with their methods, the subject of their captaincy was met with initial scepticism all around. Sourav Ganguly defiantly altered the age-old perception of captaincy, and Dhoni looks to carry the baton.

Men like Graeme Smith and potentially Pietersen and Dhoni can set the template for captaincy in modern-day Test cricket; methods that might end up preserving the game’s classic format. The chance is upon them to drown voices of reproach that greet every cricketing innovation.

The two will captain their respective sides in a complete series for the first time on Thursday, in the first India-England Test at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. Pietersen, after captaining England to a win in his first Test against South Africa, saw the momentum built with four one-day wins reversed by a 0-5 loss in the ODI series against India.

The chance for redemption wasn’t gift-wrapped in practice games. Pietersen would have least bargained for last week’s events, coming as it did after the one-day thrashing. But the captain’s batting methods are a fair reflection of his approach to the game. Pietersen bats with compelled improvisation, where simplicity is ignored. It remains to be seen whether his captaincy will rise out of trying circumstances as his batting so often does.

“I’m used to tough circumstances. From where I come from, I’ve seen a lot of difficult times before playing for England (after moving out of South Africa). It’s been tough throughout my career. But I like tough situations, since it’s a lot more rewarding when we succeed.”

Delightful story

Dhoni’s journey from long-haired bludgeoner to malleable lower-order bat to captain cool has been the most delightful story to come out of cricket’s wide reach. An unbeaten Test record in three matches has set a precedent, but one hasn’t seen the end of the skipper’s intuitive methods. “Dhoni looks like a good leader of men. He’s calm, cool and collected,” said Pietersen of his counterpart.

Dhoni’s sense of calm has been the common thread through his evolution as a cricketer. The shots that he pulled off in his early days betrayed an uncluttered mind that has allowed itself to absorb, learn and rapidly develop a discerning eye. Importantly as Indian captain — as one saw after the melee at the RBS Cup unveiling ceremony — it helps to have a sense of humour.

Pietersen’s equally liberating approach has a chance to rub off on the entire team, when his first real test as captain begins on Thursday. “Cricket’s a hobby that pays well. It’s what we love doing. It’s what we enjoy the most,” said the England captain.

This perception is what makes them leaders both sides need, in the all-consuming existence that is modern-day cricket.

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