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Mahendra Singh Dhoni cast every cent of his record breaking deal in the Indian Premier League with a typical showing of sheer brilliance and raw power in the second Test against Australia.
His performance yesterday defined him as the future successor to an ageing Anil Kumble with a batting display that firmly put India in charge against a rival which has dominated international cricket for what seems an age.
Indeed Dhoni goes about his batting with both urgency and precision. The man wants India to win and he knows drawing the next five tests will do nothing to bring the Border-Gavaskar trophy back to his native homeland.
So there he was, hitting four sixes and eight fours in his 92-run innings which came to an abrupt end by none other than Rudi Koertzen.
Peter Siddle, in his debut for the Baggy Green, was the lucky bowler as Dhoni played forward to a delivery which hit him outside the off stump and may well have got an inside edge, only for Koertzen to send the batsman on his way and bring the Indian innings to a close.
Although it was disappointing to see Dhoni miss out on a deserved hundred, his reputation as one of the world’s best batsman had already been cast in style.
He had already done the damage with his 92 coming from just 124 balls, meaning India had already reached their substantial total before tea on day one – more than enough time to snare some key Australian wickets.
Having already impressed by leading from the front with the bat, Dhoni’s field placements were distinctly pleasing as well, as he attacked the batsmen with far more verve than the placid Anil Kumble tends to.
And it worked to a charm with Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Simon Katich and Matthew Hayden all gone before the climax of day two.
Kumble has been great for Indian cricket, with his wicket taking capabilities matched by few in history let alone today.
But with Kumble short on form and fitness at the grand old age of 38, Dhoni’s performance in the second test could be critical in deciding the future of Kumble, with murmurs going around that he should retire.
Even though Dhoni rightfully stole most of the limelight, Sourav Ganguly ignited the wick for his captain to perform the way he did.
His century (104) cast India back into control against an Australia side who have the knack of taking quick wickets.
Ganguly though brought forth some of his classic innings from yesteryear and controlled a faltering Australian attack that has its backs against the wall.
Indeed Ganguly would love nothing more than to secure the Border-Gavaskar trophy for his beloved India before he perhaps announces his retirement.
Maybe that is the only tick in the box needed for Ganguly to end a glorious career on his terms.
Whatever the outcome, it seems India have a firm grip on the Border-Gavaskar trophy, let alone the second test.