Suresh Raina, often known as ‘Mr. IPL’, has praised MS Dhoni’s glovework behind the wickets and how he coached the franchise’s new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. On the last ball of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) innings on Friday, Dhoni executed a run out in his signature style to eliminate the swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter Anuj Rawat for 48.
During a post-match interview with official broadcasters JioCinema, the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star revealed that MS Dhoni had not missed a run-out in several years.
“He has never missed it for many years. When he defends the total, he loses his gloves and throws overarm. The way he mentored Ruturaj, it is worth recognition.”
Suresh Raina
Here’s a video of MS Dhoni’s run-out during the last pitch of RCB’s innings:
Defending champions CSK, managed by Ruturaj Gaikwad, faced RCB in the first game of the 2024 IPL season on Friday, March 22 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. After winning the toss, RCB decided to bat first and scored 173-6 in 20 overs. CSK chased down the target with six wickets in hand.
“It is so deep-rooted in MS Dhoni’s blood that he would rarely get it wrong” – Sanjay Manjrekar
The Men in Yellow’s batting lineup this season was scarcely pushed by the RCB bowlers on the Chepauk surface. The hosts chased down the goal in 18.4 overs, losing only four wickets, to start the season on a winning note.
Ex-cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, a panelist with Suresh Raina post-match, spotlighted Dhoni’s run-out skills. He affirmed it’s ingrained in the CSK icon’s nature. The 58-year-old remarked:
“I don’t think he would’ve practised this type of underarm throwing for over a year. It is so deep-rooted in his blood that he would rarely get it wrong. It’s the calmness of the mind that makes him focus on the stumps.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
The Chennai Super Kings have a match in store. On Tuesday, March 26th, they’ll host Gujarat Titans – a rematch of last year’s final clash. Chennai aims to sustain their winning streak before journeying to Vizag. There, they’ll face Delhi Capitals away.