MS Dhoni almost tried to ‘spoil’ Sachin Tendulkar’s significant milestone; Shocked? Check out how

MS Dhoni is one of India’s most loved cricketers, thanks to his heroics as a wicketkeeper batter and captain over the years. The former India skipper has had the privilege of witnessing milestones created by his teammates from up close many times. Remember Dhoni at the non-striker’s end when Yuvraj Singh hit six sixes in an over against England’s Stuart Broad in the 2007 World Cup to score the fastest T20 half-century?

He was also at the other end when the legendary Sachin Tendulkar achieved a significant milestone in his 24-year cricket career. India vs South Africa, second ODI of the three-match series at Gwalior on 24 February 2010. Opting to bat first, the home team dominated right from the start despite losing Virender Sehwag in the fourth over.

India were 392/3 in 49.2 overs and Tendulkar was at the striker’s end with four balls remaining. The anticipation and excitement of the fans was not to see the team score break the barrier of 400 runs, but the Master Blaster was on 199. Yes, you read that right! He was on the verge of reaching a seemingly impossible milestone.

Finally, the moment came when Tendulkar hit the ball for a single. History was made at the Gwalior International Cricket Stadium. The batting maestro added yet another feather in his cap as he became the first player on the planet to score 200 in men’s ODIs.

MSD made Indian fans’ heart rate higher 

But now you might be thinking how Dhoni has played an antagonist role here. Believe it or not, Tendulkar was almost denied the opportunity to score a double century, not by his opposition, but by his own teammate. It was none other than the then captain of the team, who was standing at the non-striker’s end – ‘Captain Cool’ MSD.

When Tendulkar moved to 199, there were 14 balls left in India’s innings. But he never got a strike in the next 10 balls as Dhoni went berserk in an attempt to increase the team score. He scored 25 runs off those 10 balls, but he played with the patience of fans and his teammate at the other end. But with four balls left in the innings, Dhoni managed to give the strike to Tendulkar and the world witnessed the great man achieve the impossible.

Tendulkar remained unbeaten on 200 off 147 balls and Dhoni made a 35-ball 68 not out to take team total to 401/3. In reply, South Africa were bowled out for 248 runs and India won by 153 runs to clinch the series 2-0 with one game to spare.