‘If I get tired, carry me out on a stretcher’ – Star India pacer reveals interesting chat with MS Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is one of the most decorated captains in the history of Indian cricket. From an inaugural edition of the 20-20 World Cup to the prestigious Champions Trophy victory, MS Dhoni has led India to all the glory he could have done. However, one of the most memorable victories India registered in his tenure was over England at Lord’s in 2014. The victory is still cherished by the fans as Team India took revenge for the whitewash they faced in 2011 during a four-match Test series against England.

Ishant Sharma was India’s go-to bowler in the game as he bowled his career-best spell as he took seven wickets in the game. Remembering the same, Ishant revealed his interesting interaction with then-skipper MS Dhoni.

Speaking on the ‘Rise of India’ cricket show, the ace pacer revealed how Dhoni got charged up with his passionate bowling spell. Ishant said, “I have many favourite spells, especially the one I bowled at Lord’s. When Moeen Ali got out before lunch, Mahi bhai came to me. I would tell you what happened before. We were heading towards the dressing room when Mahi bhai told me to keep it normal.”

“If nothing works, then we’ll go back to bowling bouncers. I said fine. He asked me ‘Thakega toh nahi?’ (You won’t get tired, right?) I said I will bowl as long as you want me to. I will bowl till the match doesn’t get over. He too got charged up,” he further added.

“They didn’t want me to bowl bouncers”, reveals Ishant Sharma

Ishant further revealed how Dhoni and then coach Duncan Fletcher were advising him not to bowl too many bouncers as it may take a toll on his body.

Ishant said, “Then we went inside the dressing room. Duncan, Mahi bhai, and I were sitting and talking. Then Duncan and Mahi bhai asked me ‘Will you bowl again?’ I said I bowl till the game. He again said ‘But no, you are human. You will get tired. I insisted No. If I get tired, carry me out on a stretcher. I won’t walk back till the game doesn’t end.”

“So hearing it he too felt how long can he bowl bouncers. Fine, his motivation and adrenaline are high right now. But how long can he go till? So I kept bowling. Well, it’s a different thing that I got injured,” added Ishant.

Notably, Dhoni is currently preparing to lead the Chennai franchise in the upcoming season of the Indian T20 league. Chennai will take on Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat on March 31 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.