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Suresh Raina recently shared insights into how India's 2013 Champions Trophy triumph gave rise to the widely recognised 'Dhoni Review System'.

 

The former India all-rounder recalled how MS Dhoni’s tactical brilliance played a crucial role in the team’s unbeaten run during the tournament.

 

India’s campaign that year was marked by dominant performances against strong opponents. One of the standout matches was against the West Indies, where India secured an eight-wicket victory.

 

Dhoni’s leadership was instrumental in ensuring success, especially in making accurate DRS calls and setting up aggressive field placements.

 

During a special episode of The Suresh Raina Experience: Champions Trophy Special on JioHotstar, Raina reflected on Dhoni’s strategic thinking.

 

He highlighted how Dhoni’s ability to read the game and take decisive calls made a significant impact. According to Raina, Dhoni’s mastery of DRS was evident throughout the tournament, as he rarely made an incorrect review decision.

 

Raina spoke about how Dhoni managed the bowling unit, particularly the spinners. He recalled the match at The Oval, where Ravindra Jadeja delivered an outstanding spell, taking 5-36.

 

Dhoni’s confidence in his spinners was a key factor in building pressure on the opposition. He placed Virat Kohli in the slips, Ashwin at leg slip, and himself behind the stumps, creating an attacking setup that worked effectively.

 

Jadeja’s performance in that tournament further strengthened India’s dominance. Raina praised his teammate for maintaining accuracy and pace, making it difficult for batters to counter his spin. He noted that Dhoni understood the strengths of his bowlers and gave them the right support to succeed.

 

Apart from the main bowlers, Dhoni also relied on part-time options like Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Raina himself to deliver crucial overs.

 

This flexibility allowed the team to maintain balance and adapt to different match situations. 

 

Raina recalled how Dhoni would call upon players at the right moments, ensuring that India always had options beyond the frontline bowlers.

 

The influence of Dhoni’s leadership and decision-making in that tournament has left a lasting impact on Indian cricket.

 

The 2013 Champions Trophy not only marked a significant achievement for the team but also showcased Dhoni’s ability to innovate and extract the best from his players.