Ex-Indian cricketer reveals the actual reason why MS Dhoni went on to become a great wicketkeeper

Former Indian cricketer and analyst Mohammad Kaif has revealed the reasons why MS Dhoni went on to emerge as one of the greatest keeper-batters in the game’s history. Notably, Dhoni made his international debut in December 2004 against Bangladesh when Kaif was also part of the national side.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif disclosed that Dhoni never used to practice much during his early days after making his international debut. He stated that the former Indian skipper used to practice every day for half an hour, but he had complete clarity on what exact things to improve to become a better keeper.

"See, there are two types of players. One who goes to practice in the morning and comes in the evening. We will laud his commitment and dedication but the result might not necessarily come. When MS Dhoni first came in 2004, he didn’t practice much either even then," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

"Dhoni has a unique way of catching the ball while keeping and he has developed it himself. No wicketkeeper in history has done this kind of work. If someone tells me Dhoni has done so much hard work to become such a great keeper, then it’s not true," he added.

Speaking about Dhoni's record behind the stumps, the former Indian skipper holds the record for most stumpings in international cricket, effecting 195 stumps. He also has 634 caught-behind dismissals to his name.

"He used to practice for half an hour but he had complete clarity on the purpose and what he wants to improve on. Even if he does only for half an hour, he did it correctly. The way he collects the ball in front of the stumps, if you drill that into your mind that this needs to be worked on and you are successful, so you have ticked the box there. Dhoni has concentrated on affecting stumpings quickly. Since Dhoni practiced with purpose, he has become a great keeper," Kaif concluded.

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