M.S Dhoni Fans Thrilled as Vintage Mahi Shines in DC vs CSK Match

Delhi Capitals (DC) roared to their first IPL 2024 win, outplaying Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 20 runs at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Vishakhapatnam on a lively Sunday, March 31. The clash in Visakhapatnam between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ended in disappointment for the defending champs. CSK endured a 20-run defeat against the fired-up home squad under the leadership of Rishabh Pant.

Playing 11 for DC vs CSK in IPL 2024

DC’s lineup :  Rishabh Pant , Prithvi Shaw, David Warner, Tristan Stubbs, Abishek Porel, Axar Patel, Anrich Nortje, Mukesh Kumar, Ishant Sharma, and Khaleel Ahmed,Mitch March

DC’s subs : Kumar Kushagra, Rasikh Dar Salam,  Jake Fraser-McGurk,Praveen Dubey, Sumit Kumar.

CSK’s  lineup : Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rachin Ravindra,  Daryl Mitchell, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, Sameer Rizvi, MS Dhoni, Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman.

CSK’s  subs : Sheikh Rasheed,  Mitchell Santner,Shivam Dumbe, Moeen Ali, Shardul Thakur.

VINTAGE DHONI STEALS THE SHOW

DC won the toss and opted to bat first.They had a strong start as David Warner and Prithvi Shaw built a partnership of 93 runs in 9.3 overs. Warner was dismissed after scoring 52 runs from 35 balls, including five boundaries and three sixes, caught by Matheesha Pathirana at Short Fine Leg in a spectacular flying catch. Shaw followed soon after, scoring 43 runs off 27 balls with four fours and two sixes. This wicket marked MS Dhoni’s achievement as the first wicket-keeper to secure 300 T20 wickets.Rishabh Pant’s first IPL fifty since 2021, following a car crash sidelining him for 15 months, earned him a standing ovation. DC set 192 for CSK to chase. 

CSK had a rough start, losing Gaikwad and Ravindra early, but Rahane and Mitchell steadied the ship until Rahane’s departure at 102/4 Shivam Dube, known for his impactful performances, managed only 18 runs from 17 balls, while Sameer Rizvi was dismissed without scoring (Golden Duck). This set the stage for CSK veterans Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni to take charge. Despite the loss, the mood was anything but down. CSK fans were overjoyed, not a grumble to be heard. Why? Because they witnessed something truly special: a classic Mahendra Singh Dhoni show. MSD’s electrifying unbeaten 37 of a mere 16 deliveries turned the Dr. Y.S.Rajashekar Reddy ACA-VDCA International Cricket Stadium into a roaring cauldron of excitement!

When Chennai found themselves at 120/6 in 16.1 overs with a mammoth task of scoring 72 runs in just 23 balls during an IPL match, most fans probably thought, “It’s a worrying situation,” but then Dhoni appeared on the field. We’re all aware that when Dhoni is playing, miracles can happen, correct? Correct! Dhoni once more showcased why he’s not just an ordinary player. A symbol of hope and legendary comebacks! Dhoni’s bat was on fire, smashing four fours and three massive sixes that turned the away match into a home ground for Chennai. The crowd, swept up in Dhoni’s brilliance, forgot they were away and cheered as if they were in familiar territory.

It was a magical moment, taking fans back to the golden days when Dhoni’s heroics guaranteed success, making everyone believe in miracles once more. Dhoni ended his innings in style, smashing a massive six over extra cover off Nortje’s last ball and ending with an incredible strike rate of 231.25. However, despite his exceptional performance, CSK couldn’t chase down the challenging target of 192 runs. They fell victim to the pace attack led by Khaleel Ahmed (2/21) and Mukesh Kumar (3/21), ending their innings at 171 for six.

Fan Reactions after Dhoni’s Stellar Performance

Fans were left mesmerized by Dhoni’s performance, and they flooded social media with praises for the 42-year-old cricket legend. They expressed their admiration and awe for Dhoni’s skills, highlighting the impact he continues to have on the game despite his age. Social media platforms buzzed with admiration as fans celebrated Dhoni’s timeless talent and contributions to the sport.

Renowned cricket commentator and ex-Indian batsman Aakash Chopra commented on X, stating, “Mahi abhi bhi maar raha hai”.  Other former cricketers like Suresh Raina, Mohammad Kaif, and Michael Hussey also commended the Jharkhand-born wicketkeeper. Suresh Raina, in a post on X, remarked, “Age is no barrier to inspiration! Watching Mahi Bhai’s phenomenal batting skills at 42 showcases his unmatched determination and commitment.”

A fan on twitter shared that he strongly believes that Dhoni should come higher in the batting order to replicate innings like the recent one he played and to close out games, similar to how he used to do in his prime. Is Dhoni ever going to embrace his inner 42-year-old strawberry farmer? Or is he forever stuck in 2007, rocking long hair, swinging a Reebok bat, and defying time on the cricket field?” quipped another fan.

This match was certainly an iconic one and left everyone feeling extremely nostalgic and happy!