Mumbai, Mar 25 (UNI) Former India captain MS Dhoni has responded to cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar’s recent remarks about remembering two iconic moments before bidding adieu to the world: Kapil Dev lifting the 1983 World Cup and Dhoni's helicopter shot that sealed India’s 2011 World Cup triumph.

Acknowledging Gavaskar’s words, Dhoni expressed his deep admiration for the batting great and his immense contribution to Indian cricket. "He’s one of the greats of the game. Since I started playing cricket, Sunny Bhai’s name has always been there, especially for the way he played against the West Indies fast bowlers. It wasn’t just one bowler, he performed against an entire battery of pacers, which was remarkable," Dhoni told a sports broadcaster.

Reflecting on the resilience required to succeed in cricket, Dhoni remarked, "We call it a gentleman’s game, but it demands strength and bravery. Fear is a natural element, but without it, there’s no courage. His (Gavaskar’s) performances have been something to learn from."

Dhoni also fondly recalled a special moment when Gavaskar asked for his autograph. "When he asked for an autograph, I was surprised. My reaction was more like, ‘Oh, he’s asking me for an autograph!’ He has a great sense of humour, and I love that side of him. We’ve all looked up to him and drawn courage from him in pressure situations."

Speaking about the evolution of modern cricket, Dhoni highlighted the drastic shift in playing styles, particularly in the IPL. "Cricket has changed a lot. The IPL, especially, has evolved significantly. Young players today are far more fearless. Earlier, pitches were often two-paced, but now they are well-prepared, leading to more high-scoring games."

He attributed this transformation to batsmen’s willingness to take risks and innovate. "Batters are adapting constantly, adding new shots like the reverse sweep against fast bowlers. This adaptability is a key factor behind the high-scoring matches."

Discussing the impact player rule in the IPL, Dhoni shared his views on how it has altered game dynamics while acknowledging that it may not always work in his favour.

"When the IPL started, I felt there was no need to add extra elements. The matches were already competitive and high-scoring. But changes were implemented, and we have to adapt."

As cricket continues to evolve, Dhoni’s reflections offer insight into the game’s progression and the mindset required to stay ahead in the modern era. UNI BDN SSP