MS Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja on Thursday as they ended their illustrious leadership with the four-time champions. The talismanic cricketer, who has led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since the IPL’s inception in 2008, will continue to represent the franchise but his shrewd leadership and instinctive decision-making will be missed by everyone in cricket.
Dhoni captained in 204 IPL matches, winning 121, losing 82 and one match ended in a no-result with a winning percentage of 59.60. The only player to have appeared in nine IPL finals, Dhoni has over 4,000 runs in the competition. He may have stepped down as captain, but Chennai Super Kings fans will be eager to see Dhoni the hitter return to action.
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Having retired from international cricket in 2020, he has only been seen in action in the IPL. Dhoni, 40, has gifted fans with many memories of his batting prowess, and CSK fans are expecting the flamboyant hitter to have an amazing season with Willow after his exit from the management squad.
On the day he was released from the CSK captaincy, let’s take a look at his five memorable shots in IPL:
5. Undefeated 84 v Royal Challengers Bangalore, 2019
One of the best rounds in IPL history, Dhoni scored a magical 84 from just 48 balls – studded with seven sixes and five fours – in IPL 2019, albeit in a losing cause. Chasing 162 at the Chinnaswamy, Chennai had 32 for four after six overs.
Dhoni and Ambati Rayudu formed a crucial 55-run partnership to get their team out of a precarious situation. Dhoni then scored 84 but couldn’t finish the game for his team as they missed a point to claim the victory.
With two needed on the last ball, Umesh Yadav was able to kick in a slower delivery and Dhoni missed it only for Parthiv Patel to run-out as non-striker Shardul Thakur busted out of his crease. It was Dhoni’s highest individual score in the competition.
4. Undefeated 75 v Rajasthan Royals, 2019
He is known for his performance in tough conditions and Dhoni collected 75 out of 46 balls to lead Chennai to a 175 for five contest against Rajasthan. Dhoni came on at bat when his team was 27 for three at home. But he paced his innings beautifully to keep the scoreboard spinning, and eventually opened his arms to find himself with four fours and as many sixes.
Dhoni added 61 runs for the fourth wicket with Suresh Raina and then put up a 56 run support with Dwayne Bravo. It was a well calculated round from the former Indian skipper, who beat Jaydev Unadkat for three sixes in the final which lasted 28 points.
3. 54 not knocked out vs Kings XI Punjab, 2010
The IPL was in its infancy when it saw Dhoni’s striking prowess. Chasing a tough 192 in Dharamsala, Chennai needed to win the match to qualify for the semi-finals. But the team fell to 89 for three with 104 runs still needed from the final 10 overs.
It all came down to Chennai needing 47 runs from the last 18 deliveries. But Dhoni’s nerves of steel saw him tame the pressure. He had a particular flair for finishing games in the final – a skill that requires reflexive aggression combined with a full plan while chasing. Dhoni hit Irfan Pathan for two huge sixes in the final set as CSK needed 16 runs to win. He ended up scoring 54 out of 29 to lead his team over the finish line.
2. 70 steps out on 40 balls in 2011
Dhoni is adept at soaking up pressure and the inspirational frontman has again produced a calculated hitting show to get his team out of troubled waters. Chennai faltered 74-for-four in the hunt for a 206-point target. He teamed up with Ambati Rayudu and the pair shared a breakthrough 101-run stand.
With 99 required on 42 balls, Dhoni and Rayudu both went on the offensive towards the end. Chennai needed 45 to win the last three overs but the team managed to wrap up the chase with two deliveries to spare. Dhoni hit a four and seven sixes in his shot and finished it with his trademark six.
1. Half a century against Mumbai Indians in 2012
His sensational 51 from just 20 deliveries against Mumbai Indians propelled Chennai to 187 in the Eliminator contest between the two IPL heavyweights. Dhoni entered at bat at No. 5 in the 14th and had 51 carries on 20 balls with six fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 255.
While S Badrinath and Michael Hussey set the tone with a 94 partnership, Dhoni’s late flourish has helped the team collect 73 runs from the last 29 deliveries. Versatile Dwayne Bravo also contributed with a quick-shooting 33 on 14 balls. Mumbai was eliminated from the tournament and Chennai played the final against Kolkata Knight Riders.
