CSK’s MS Dhoni hit 37 runs off 16 balls against Delhi Capitals© BCCI/Sportzpics
Chennai Super Kings lost their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match against Delhi Capitals on Sunday, suffering their first defeat of the season. But hardly any CSK fan would be in a damp mood despite the result after witnessing an MS Dhoni special in Vizag. Though CSK fell short by twenty runs, there was no dearth of entertainment as Dhoni produced a fine cameo of 16-ball 37. Some of the shots the ‘Thala’ produced on the night made the fans nostalgic as the crowd witnessed Dhoni conjures up the age-old magic again.
Dhoni, now 42 years old, did enough with the bat to make former Australian stars Brett Lee and Shane Watson make a plea to CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad over the wicketkeeper-batsman’s promotion up the rankings.
“It was his turn tonight, he wasn’t rusty. I want more from him in terms of batting. Get up there. He’s excellent, his brain is still nice and sharp, CSK, get MS Dhoni increases the order.” the former Australian fast bowler said on Jio Cinema.
“With MS Dhoni in this kind of form, this is exactly what you expect from him. His strength and the skill he has under pressure when the bowlers are really trying their best to execute, his ability to win a game out of nowhere has we’ve seen so many times in his career. Some of his shots he played tonight, that’s as good a shot as I’ve ever seen him play. That over cover is one of the harder shots to play, but he still does it ” said the first. Australia all-rounder said.
With the introduction of the Impact Substitute rule, CSK’s middle order has been further strengthened. Against Delhi, hard hitter Shivam Dube came on as a substitute, sending Dhoni further down the rankings.
However, with CSK looking to groom the next generation, it is difficult to see the management promoting Dhoni higher up considering this may be his last season in the IPL as a player.
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