And finally, the moment arrived in IPL that every MS Dhoni fan was waiting for; the man batting in the tournament. It took some time coming as in CSK’s first two matches, MSD did not get a chance to bat. But on Sunday, with the team in trouble against Delhi Capitals, the former skipper came at the crease at No. 7.
Dhoni’s Rocking Start
While the chances of Chennai winning the match were already slim, what provided the fans was relief was vinatge Dhoni smashing 37 from 16 balls. His innings included four fours and three sixes, while the result of the match hardly mattered. On his very first delivery, he pulled Mukesh Kumar viciously to get his opening runs in close to a year. He followed that up with yet another four on the third ball he faced.
But the highlight of his innings has to be one of the shots he played against Khaleel Ahmed for a massive six. Pitched way outside off, Dhoni covered the ball well and hoicked it over extra cover for a maximum. The carnage did not end there, as he lofted one off Anrich Nortje for a six over mid-wicket, a one-handed six.
Perhaps the third six he smashed in the last over was the best of the lot, where he hit Nortje’s low full-toss over extra cover.
Deafening Roar for DHONI
As expected, in the entire duration of the match, the loudest roar was reserved for when Dhoni came on to bat. The decibel levels rose to 128, just signalling that despite handing out the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, he remains the most famous played in India, and perhaps the world.
Editors pick
