MS Dhoni had his limitations as a Test batsman but he had a unique of batsmanship. (Source: File)

A career average of 38.09 suggests that Dhoni the Test batsman had his limitations. But he worked on his batting and developed his own brand of batsmanship, which on many an occasion turned out to be very effective.

148, FAISALABAD, 2006

Three wickets fell in quick succession and India were reduced to 281 for 5, replying to Pakistan’s first innings total of 588 all out. Dhoni came and took the attack to Shoaib Akhtar, who was hurling thunderbolts with the second new ball. The counter-aggression subdued the Pakistan quick. More importantly, a 210-run association with Irfan Pathan for the sixth wicket helped

India save the follow-on and also the Test.

76*, Lord’s, 2007

This is perhaps the best of them all. In seamer-friendly conditions, India were down to 145/5 in their second innings. Dhoni came, stood outside the crease to cover the swing and unleashed an array of strokes to unsettle the England seamers. The ploy worked superbly. India saved the Test and went on to win the series.

90, CENTURION, 2010

India lost the match by an innings and 25 runs. But the way Dhoni countered Dale Steyn’s reverse swing in the second innings was exceptional.

74*, BIRMINGHAM, 2011

India suffered another very heavy defeat. But Dhoni’s batting against Jimmy Anderson – he was making the ball talk – was extraordinary. He outwitted Anderson by taking an off stump guard and making the bowler alter his line.

71, OLD TRAFFORD, 2014

India had slumped to 8/4, batting first on a green-top. In fact, batting looked almost impossible against Anderson and Stuart Broad on that surface. Dhoni stood at least two feet outside the crease and converted good length deliveries into over-pitched stuff. It was top-class batting. Even the England players applauded when he eventually got out.