On This Day: MS Dhoni Announces Himself With Explosive Century Against Pakistan

On April 5, 2005, MS Dhoni arrived on the international scene, when being promoted at No. 3 by Sourav Ganguly, he  smashed a rollicking 148 against Pakistan. It was India’s second century by a wicketkeeper batsman after Rahul Dravid but first by a specialised wicketkeeper. India posted a mammoth 356 and won the match by 58 runs to take a 2-0 lead in the series. Here’s a lowdown of the first of the many Dhoni specials. Also Read - MS Dhoni and Sourav Ganguly Two Defining Captains in Contemporary Cricket: Ashish Nehra

Dhoni entered the match on the back of scores of 0, 12, 7* and 3, batting down the order in all those matches. Ganguly, the then-captain of India, who was battling poor form decided to make way for Dhoni at No. 3 – the former India captain had scored over 1000 runs from 30 innings at one down, prior to the Vizag ODI. Ganguly’s gamble gave birth to a star as Dhoni routed Pakistan with a maiden ODI hundred. Also Read - Asked MS Dhoni to Promote Himself During 2011 World Cup Final: Sachin Tendulkar

The previous year, Dhoni has scored two centuries for India A in Nairobi, both against Pakistan. And it was only fitting that his first international ton was notched up against the arch-rivals as well. Dhoni started cautiously; he didn’t need to go into overdrive as India’s opener was already in the groove scoring a 40-ball 74 with 12 fours and two sixes. With Sachin Tendulkar exiting in the fourth over for 2, Dhoni and Sehwag brought India in the game with a 96-run partnership,. Also Read - Ziva Amps up Cuteness Quotient, Turns Make-up Artist For MS Dhoni During Lockdown | WATCH VIDEO