Chennai Super Kings suffered their first defeat of IPL 2024 but the way their fans reacted at the venue with loud cheers and celebrations, one could’ve been forgiven for assuming that it wasn’t the case. The reason behind the fans seemingly forgetting the defeat happens to be that man MS Dhoni who finally walked in to bat for the first time this season, at no.8, and smashed the first delivery he faced for a four.
CSK needed 72 to win off 23 deliveries when Dhoni walked into bat against Delhi Capitals on Sunday night at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
Clearly, it was the Rishabh Pant-led DC that were ahead and they subsequently went on to win the contest – their first of IPL 2024. However, a vintage Dhoni stole the show towards the end with a flurry of boundaries proving he’s still got it.
He started with a casual pull shot towards fine leg for a four and then sliced the next towards backward point where the fielder, seemingly overwhelmed by the situation, dropped a sitter. Dhoni capitalised and muscled the following delivery over extra covers for a four.
He would remain unbeaten at 37 off 16, an innings comprising 37 off 16. DC won by 20 runs but CSK fans didn’t mind. They experienced what they came for.
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Social media was abuzz after Dhoni’s entertaining innings.
Here are a few top reactions:
Inspiration knows no age! Witnessing @msdhoni Mahi Bhai’s incredible batting prowess at 42 is a testament to his unparalleled spirit and dedication ???? @JioCinema #DCvCSK pic.twitter.com/W8WzD76bcF— Suresh Raina???????? (@ImRaina) March 31, 2024
MS Dhoni has still got that magic with bat in hand, might have been a different outcome if he batted ahead of Rizvi and Jadeja! #DCvCSK— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) March 31, 2024
This Small Part of Life is Called Happiness ????????! #Whistlepodu | #MSDhonipic.twitter.com/2DN1tC4JS5— MSD Kingdom™ (@MSDKingdom) April 1, 2024
Thanks MS Dhoni pic.twitter.com/IGyOkCITPo— Sagar (@sagarcasm) March 31, 2024
Don't know why I don't feel sad for CSK's loss after watching Dhoni's batting. #MSDhoni???? pic.twitter.com/DmDaTBTCP9— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) March 31, 2024
CSK’s winning start to the season has thus come to an end and they’ve slipped to the second spot on the IPL points table swapping places with Kolkata Knight Riders. CSK now have a break of four days before they return to action when they take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in an away fixture this Friday.
DC’s Sunday win means Mumbai Indians are the only team so far that is yet to win in IPL 2024. MI will hope to break their duck on Monday when they take on Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium – their first home game of the season.
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