The crowd at Chepauk erupted with cheers as MS Dhoni strode onto the field. The 42-year-old CSK wicketkeeper-batter drew thunderous applause from fans. With Shivam Dube dismissed and Dhoni arriving to bat against Lucknow Super Giants, spectators expressed unbridled joy. The atmosphere crackled with energy, celebrating Dhoni’s presence.
However, Dhoni was only given the opportunity to face one delivery. The last over began with Shivam Dube hitting a six off Marcus Stoinis’ bowling, followed by four runs off the following two deliveries. However, the southpaw was run out for 66 on the following ball. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was undefeated at 107, could only manage a single, handing the strike to MS Dhoni.
The legendary MSD concluded the proceedings, blasting the leather sphere towards the boundary ropes with a forceful strike. This final flourish propelled their total to a formidable 210 in the allotted 20 overs.
Watch the clip here:
KL Rahul opted to send the Super Kings to bat after winning the toss. Prominent batters such as Ajinkya Rahane, Daryl Mitchell, and Ravindra Jadeja encountered difficulties in making substantial scores. However, Gaikwad and Dube’s 104-run partnership propelled Chennai Kings into a commanding position.
AB de Villiers urges MS Dhoni to bat higher up the order
The legendary MS Dhoni had dazzled in the tournament. Still, AB de Villiers feels Dhoni batting lower isn’t ideal. However, the renowned cricketer sees valid reasons for Dhoni to bat higher.
De Villiers stated in a recent YouTube video:
“Yeah, I understand he is a guy who is not playing a lot of cricket these days. He comes in, prepares for the IPL and that’s all he plays. So, maybe him batting down the order has come from himself thinking that he is not in such great form, maybe the younger guys, who play 12 months of the year, deserve a chance to bat up the order.”
AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers added:
“But, with stats like these, it’s very difficult for me to agree with that. 28 not out off 9 vs LSG, 20 off 4 against MI, 37 off 16 vs DC. Look at all that not outs, that’s ridiculous.”
AB de Villiers
MS Dhoni, who is from Ranchi, is the joint-most successful IPL captain, with five trophies.