Mahendra Singh Dhoni, popularly referred to as “Thala,” has left an indelible mark in the world of cricket and especially when it comes to IPL. His journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) can be termed as one of the best which makes him one of the most revered figures in the tournament’s history. Dhoni’s IPL career started in 2008 when he was appointed as the captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Under his captaincy, CSK emerged as one of the most successful franchises in the IPL, winning the title a total of five times. Just like in international cricket, Dhoni lead CSK from the front, both as a batsman and a captain. He often rescued his team from losing situations with his ice-cool temperament and powerful hitting in the death overs. In this article, we will take a look at MS Dhoni’s Top 10 Performances in IPL.
MS Dhoni’s Top 10 Performances in IPL
1. IPL 2016 – 64*(32) Kings XI Punjab
Here comes the best IPL knock of MS Dhoni. However, this knock didn’t came in yellow jersey. In 2016 edition of IPL, Dhoni played for Rising Pune SuperGiants as Chennai Super Kings were banned for two years from taking part in the competition. It was RPSG’s final game of the season. They were chasing 173 runs against Punjab and were almost losing the game as they needed 23 runs in the last over. Dhoni was on the strike. The first ball was dot as MS denied to take single. Then came a wide from Axar. The second delivery was smashed for a six. The third delivery was also dot. The next one was a boundary from MSD. Now 12 runs were needed off 2 balls. Dhoni scored two consecutive sixes off the final two balls of the last over and played one of the best knocks ever. It was also one of the best chases ever witnessed in the IPL. Dhoni played a match-winning innings of 64 not out in just 32 deliveries, consisting of 5 sixes/4 fours.
2. IPL 2019 – 84* vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore
This was one of the most intense games of IPL. CSK were facing their rivals at Chinnanswamy stadium. They were given a target of 162 by hosts Royal Challengers Bangalore. CSK had a terrible start and found themselves at 83/5. At that moment, MSD took the entry and changed the wave of the match with his aggressive hitting against RCB’s bowlers. He scored a phenomenal 48-ball-84 which was also his highest-ever individual score in IPL. In the last over, he scored a massive 24 runs off just five deliveries against Siraj. Unforunately, CSK missed the target by just 1 run on the last ball of the match.
3. IPL 2018 – 70* vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore
One of the best innings of former Indian skipper came in Bangalore during the 11th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL 2018). Chennai were chasing a giant target of 205 runs. Dhoni came to bat at number 7th when Chennai were 74/4 in 9th over. Dhoni turned the game around as he scored a breath-taking 70 runs off 34 balls. With that performance, Dhoni proved why he is known as one of the best finishers. The most memorable moment of his innings came when Dhoni scored a six off Corey Anderson on the fourth ball of the last over to finish the game in his signature style.
4. IPL 2019 – 75* vs. Rajasthan Royals
In the match against Rajasthan at their home stadium, Chepauk, CSK had been asked to bat first. CSK had a bad start as they had been reduced to 27/3 before the powerplay was over. Dhoni came and took the responsibility of taking his team to a respectable total. He scored an unbeaten 75 in 46 balls with four fours and four sixes. CSK scored 60 runs in the last three overs of the match. CSK managed to put up 175 on the board and won the match by 8 runs.
5. IPL 2018 – 79* vs. Kings XI Punjab
Unlike his other top performances, this innings came in a losing match. In an away game of IPL 2018, KXIP posted a total of 197 in 20 overs with commendable performances from Chris Gayle, KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. While chasing the target of 198 runs, CSK were struggling at 56/3 when Raydu and Dhoni took the responsibility on themselves. After Raydu’s wicket, Dhoni took the match to the last over where 17 runs were needed. MSD scored 79 runs in 44 balls but his knock went into vain as CSK fell short of the target by 4 runs.
6. IPL 2012 – 51* vs. Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super were facing each other in the eliminator of IPL 2012. While batting first CSK lost two wickets in two balls in second over. The team had not crossed the 3-digit mark until the 14th over. Then the skipper arrived and took the matter into his own hands by scoring a quick half century. He scored 51 runs in just 20 balls with a strike rate of 255. Thanks to his knock, CSK posted a strong total of 187 runs against Mumbai and won the game by 38 runs.
