Chennai Super Kings’ stalwart, MS Dhoni, achieved a remarkable milestone in T20 cricket, becoming only the second player ever to feature in 250 matches for a single team in this format. This historic feat was accomplished during a crucial encounter against the Mumbai Indians in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, held at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.
Joining the esteemed ranks of Virat Kohli, who has played 258 games for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Dhoni’s longevity and dedication to the Chennai Super Kings franchise solidify his status as one of the game’s enduring icons. Notably, Rohit Sharma also features prominently, with 213 T20 appearances to his name for the Mumbai Indians.
In his 250th match, Dhoni showcased his trademark resilience and skill with the bat, delivering a spectacular performance that electrified the stadium. Coming in to bat during the final over, he unleashed a barrage of powerful strokes, treating fans to a display of pure batting prowess. Dhoni’s blitzkrieg yielded an impressive 20 runs off just four deliveries, propelling his team’s total past the formidable 200-run mark.
MS Dhoni played a critical role in finishing the innings for CSK against MI
Thanks to Dhoni’s heroics, Chennai Super Kings posted a commanding total of 206 runs on the scoreboard. Alongside his masterful innings, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s gritty knock of 69 runs and Shivam Dube’s brisk 66 off 38 balls provided crucial support, underlining the team’s collective strength and resilience.
Off the field, Dhoni’s influence extends beyond the boundary ropes, earning admiration from cricketing legends like Sunil Gavaskar. Gavaskar, in a recent interview with Star Sports, expressed his affinity for the Chennai Super Kings, dubbing them his second favorite team in the IPL, largely due to Dhoni’s leadership and impact on the game. Gavaskar’s endorsement serves as a testament to Dhoni’s enduring legacy and his ability to transcend the sport, captivating fans and earning the respect of peers and pundits alike.
Gavaskar said: “I have two teams. Because I’m from Mumbai… Mumbai Indians. Then, CSK. That’s why they say, ‘Thala for a reason. See, there are players from different countries and different cities, you have to bring them together with a singular aim of lifting the IPL trophy. In six weeks, we have to win this tournament.”
“For that, you might have some great players, and you are forced to keep them out due to team combination. But you don’t let them feel that they’re useless; you keep them as an integral part of the team. MSD has these abilities; that’s why he’s Thala for a reason.”
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