MS Dhoni has yet again etched his name into the history books. The legendary Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wicket-keeper batter became the first Indian batter to smash 200 sixes in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after celebrating his 30th birthday.
The feat came during CSK’s clash against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025, a moment that further cemented Dhoni’s legacy as one of the greatest finishers the game has ever seen. This achievement places Dhoni in an elite list, trailing only behind the “Universe Boss” Chris Gayle, who boasts a staggering 347 sixes after turning 30.
The Historic Six That Made History
On a warm night in 2025, the Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings locked horns in a thrilling IPL encounter. The highlight of the match came in the 19th over when Dhoni, known for his finishing skills, sent Tushar Deshpande’s delivery sailing over the boundary for his 200th six. Although CSK fell short in a nail-biting contest, the moment was etched in the memories of fans.
Breaking Down the Record
The only player to have achieved this milestone before Dhoni was Chris Gayle, the undisputed king of T20 cricket. Gayle’s 347 sixes after turning 30 are a testament to his brute power and aggressive style. Dhoni, on the other hand, has always been a calculated finisher, preferring finesse over brute force.
Apart from Dhoni, other notable Indians who have hit more than 100 sixes after turning 30 include Rohit Sharma (113), Ambati Rayudu (109), and Dinesh Karthik (104). However, none have come close to Dhoni’s incredible tally, which continues to grow with every match.
Battling Challenges: The Knee Issue
Age has caught up with Dhoni, and injuries have become a challenge. CSK coach Stephen Fleming revealed that Dhoni’s knee isn’t what it used to be, which influences his batting position and approach. Despite this, Dhoni continues to deliver match-winning performances, choosing his moments wisely.
“His body, his knees aren’t what they used to be. He’s moving okay but there’s still a nutrition aspect to it. He can’t bat 10 overs running full stick. So he will gauge on the day what he can give us,” Fleming said at the post-match press conference.
Dhoni often assesses the situation before deciding when to step onto the crease. Fleming admitted that Dhoni cannot bat for long periods due to his knee issue, but his contributions remain invaluable. His leadership, tactical awareness, and finishing abilities make him irreplaceable.
The Criticism and the Comeback
Despite his legendary status, Dhoni has faced criticism, notably for batting at number 9 in a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, true to his nature, he took the criticism in stride. His performance against Rajasthan Royals was a prime example. Walking out at number 7, Dhoni tried to guide his team to victory, but CSK fell short. Even in defeat, Dhoni’s determination and spirit were undeniable.
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