During the first qualifier of the IPL, Rising Pune Supergiant was in a tricky situation of 121 for three in 18 overs against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday. Even MS Dhoni was struggling at the crease with just 14 runs of 17 balls with Manoj Tiwary on the other end.

Pune seemed to be helpless at that stage, as they were cruising towards a below par score against the two-time IPL champions at the Wankhede Stadium. With a blazing batting line-up of Pune, it was expected that things can turn from any point of the game.  

Dhoni did what was expected, as he exploded in his typical style as Pune scored 41 off the last two overs giving Mumbai Indians a challenging total to chase. His finisher role was tested a bunch of times in IPL 10 and on the required day he proved that why he is the best finisher of limited overs and T20 format.

Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke hailed Dhoni for his game and expressed his opinion on how Dhoni's innings played a crucial role in Pune's win. He said, "That changed the game. The fact that Pune managed to get over the 160-run mark, the confidence in the change room was different. Pune took that momentum walking into the field. The pitch was such that it took batsmen some time to get in and MS did take some time but he knew he could change it in the end."

Clarke feels that most if the people put more emphasis on Dhoni's batting skills rather than his primary job. He said, "What has gone unnoticed is his wicket-keeping. That's his primary job and he has been the best in the competition. Secondly, he is a batsman and you want him to bat well because you know how good he is and on Tuesday night he did that. The other thing about great players which MS does is to stand up when the team needs you the most. He is one of the few who stands up on big occasions consistently. Tuesday night was another example."

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Former Australian skipper feels that Dhoni will play his 'A' game in the Champions Trophy in England next month. He said, "I think he is still as good as he has been. I have said this through the IPL and will continue to say that through the Champions Trophy, India has made a smart decision in picking him for the tournament."

He further added, "He deserves to be there. He is the best wicket-keeper in the country. His batting is still as good as it always was. He has shown form in patches in the IPL and I have no doubt he will show us (what he can do) in Champions Trophy."

Clarke gave a suggestion to Indian skipper Virat Kohli that he should make Dhoni bat at No.5, as it will generate the similar impact which Andrew Symonds did for Australia. He concluded, "I am really interested to see where Virat bats him in the Champions Trophy. I would bat him at No.4 in T20 cricket and 5 in ODIs like Australia did with Andrew Symonds. His experience, his skill will play a huge role if India is to win the trophy."