IPL 2018: MS Dhoni Is Unbelievably Quick Behind The Wickets, Says Mike Hussey

Coming back into the Indian Premier League (IPL) after a two-year hiatus, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have emerged as serious contenders to finish at the top of the points table, and their skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been key to their fortunes. He currently sits at number three on the runs chart, with 360 from 10 innings at an average 90 and has been striking at 166. Other than being a major contributor with the bat, the 36-year-old is best in the business as far as his glove work is concerned. Heaping praise on Dhoni, CSK's batting coach Mike Hussey has termed the former India Test wicket-keeper as the man having the fastest draw of as far as stumping off spinners is concerned.

"My observations are he's (Dhoni) got to be the fastest in the world against the spinners in taking the bails off. He's unbelievably quick," said the former Australia player after CSK had routed Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by six wickets in an IPL match on Saturday.

Dhoni had effected quick-silver stumping, taking the bails off in a flash, to send back top South Africa batsman AB de Villiers and Murugan Ashwin of the RCB, both off Harbhajan Singh, to help CSK stop the strong visitors at 127 for 9 that was overhauled by the hosts by 12 balls to spare.

The former India skipper was at his brutal best, smashing three sixes off leggie Yuzvendra Chahal in the 18th over to finish off the game in style.

Dhoni made 31 not out off 23 balls and in the company of seasoned West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo pulled CSK across the finish line from a tricky 80 for four in the 13thover and has been in superb form with the bat too in this Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Hussey was effusive in his praise for the former India skipper with the bat too.

"He's such an important player for the team. He's a fantastic keeper, has been in unbelievably good form with the bat, probably the best I've seen him play for quite a few years," he said.

Hussey also praised veteran off-spinner Harbhajan and left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja who helped CSK bundle out RCB for a low total.

"Harbhajan has been bowling nicely the last few games.

And he's been doing a fantastic job for us through those middle overs," he said.

"He (Jadeja) bowled beautifully today. The skipper has been showing nice faith in him and that's been important, giving him the confidence. It's nice for him to get the rewards today," Hussey added.

"He's been bowling well but the rewards have just not been coming his way. So, it's nice for him to get the reward (man of the match) today with an excellent performance," the CSK batting coach noted.

(With PTI Inputs)