The Chennai Super Kings missed the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs after losing their final league match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). RCB needed a win to secure a top-four spot and delivered an outstanding performance to achieve it.
CSK, who won their fifth title last year under MS Dhoni, appointed Ruturaj Gaikwad as their new captain this season. The 42-year-old Dhoni stepped down after more than a decade of leadership, passing the baton to the 27-year-old Gaikwad.
Under Gaikwad’s leadership, CSK won seven out of 14 matches this season. Despite a middling performance, MS Dhoni’s spirit and form remained a highlight for the fans.
The wicketkeeper-batter displayed exceptional skill both at the crease and behind the stumps. His fitness was impressive, especially returning for another season at age 42 after knee surgery, giving fans great value for their support.
While MS Dhoni hinted at a return after the IPL 2023 victory to thank his fans, many believe the 2024 edition might be his last. However, another group of fans hopes the legendary cricketer will play one more season to fulfill his promise of having his final match at Chepauk.
With MS being unpredictable, he might either quietly retire or return to play again, surprising fans. While only he knows his intentions, let’s review three of Dhoni’s standout moments from CSK’s IPL 2024 season.
#1 A trio of sixes in a rapid 20-run cameo against the Mumbai Indians
One of MS Dhoni’s most remarkable cameos occurred this season against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL’s El Clasico. Despite a slow start to the innings, CSK received a significant boost as captain Gaikwad and middle-order batsman Shivam Dube both scored half-centuries.
Just when CSK seemed to be falling short of a competitive total, Dhoni faced Hardik Pandya in the last over of the innings and smashed him for three consecutive sixes. The wicketkeeper-batter quickly ran a couple of runs on the final delivery, adding 20 runs to CSK’s total.
MS Dhoni’s innings of an undefeated four-ball 20 played a crucial role in CSK’s win at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, resulting in a 20-run victory margin. Matheesha Pathirana’s figures of 4/28 in the second innings helped CSK restrict MI to 186/6.
#2 A breathtaking diving catch in front of the Chepauk crowd against the Gujarat Titans
In CSK’s second IPL 2024 match against last year’s finalists, the Gujarat Titans, MS Dhoni exhibited exceptional skill behind the stumps, leaving both the crowd and viewers astonished. He executed a superb diving catch to dismiss GT’s Vijay Shankar.
Dhoni’s remarkable effort saw the GT middle-order batsman heading back to the pavilion, igniting jubilation throughout the stadium as fans witnessed the 42-year-old’s remarkable athleticism. Initially, when Shankar edged the ball, it seemed destined for the boundary beyond the keeper.
However, to everyone’s amazement, MS Dhoni extended himself 2.27m to his right and leaped to securely grasp the ball with his gloves. Consequently, Daryl Mitchell added to the wicket-taking tally, and CSK ultimately secured an impressive 63-run victory.
#3 A massive six hit under pressure that went 110 meters out of the park against RCB
While the outcome of this match was the most disheartening for CSK, MS Dhoni sparked hope among all CSK members and fans by smashing a 110-meter six out of the stadium in the final over against Yash Dayal.
Dinesh Karthik was ultimately grateful to the CSK keeper for hitting that six, as he believed that the ball going out of the park brought the new ball into play. This helped Dayal defend the total and secure the victory for his team as they claimed the last playoff spot.
Despite CSK’s result, MS Dhoni’s potential last IPL match featured a massive six behind the wicket, narrowing the gap to 11 runs off five balls to qualify for playoffs. However, Dayal’s subsequent dismissal ended CSK’s hopes of a sixth title.
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