A boon or a ban for Dhoni

Everything happens for a reason in MS Dhoni’s life, even a ban for two ODIs due to slow over-rates. In a cricket-packed calendar, India's wicketkeeper-captain has been on the road interminably, without getting a chance to rest. Where the selectors failed, the match referee Jeff Crowe did not, putting Dhoni out of the action for two matches. Timed perfectly to coincide with his completion of five years in international cricket, the ban gave Dhoni an opportunity to visit Devri temple, about 65 kms from his home-town Ranchi, as a gesture of gratitude to the divine for what has so far been a prosperous and, on most occasions, fortunate career. "He came here to pray for his good luck in international cricket and on the completion of his five years in international cricket," said Amit Panda, a priest. Surely, Dhoni would have also had a word of thanks for the ban – he got a breather while India went on to win both matches comfortably.