MS Dhoni is known for finishing the matches in style, proving it yet again in the last qualifier match against Delhi Capitals. He turned the clock back and led the three-time champions into the IPL finals with his hit. This will be the ninth time for Dhoni in an IPL finale to lead his team CSK.
The match seemed to be a loss for CSK when the team lost Moeen Ali in the first delivery of the final over. The team needed thirteen runs to win the match and reach the finals on Sunday. Dhoni took the lead and smashed the knocks to finish off the match. There were still two balls in the over to spare before Dhoni finished the match.
This rapid knock of eighteen runs was crucial to the team. Dhoni shared his views at the post-match presentation. He shared that he hasn’t done much in this league. So, this match and leading the team to victory was a crucial thing for him. The bigger boundaries were being used excellently in the matches.
Dhoni showered praises for Ruturaj Gaikwad for his batting skills and a good showing in the tournament. Whenever Ruturaj and Dhoni have a simple chat, it usually revolves around the former’s thoughts and ideas. He has improved a lot in recent times, which is a great thing. Ruturaj is willing to bat the entire 20 overs of the match.
Dhoni credited every member of CSK and the support staff for their smashing performance in the season. CSK miserably failed to make it to the playoffs in the last season of IPL. This victory and the team’s performance are a turn-around for the last season’s defeat.
The team was rather in a tough situation in the last season. That happened to be the first time when CSK did not make it to the playoffs. The emotions were indeed high, and the team started this season with high expectations of lifting the trophy again.
This vintage knock by Dhoni was a delight to his fans and admirers. He fetched eighteen runs off six balls in the match. This frenzy was seen from the current Indian captain Virat Kohli who tweeted his feelings post the match. Kohli couldn’t stop his excitement and tweeted saying that this knock from Dhoni made him jump off the seat yet again.
Kohli shared that the King is back, the greatest finisher ever in the game referring to Dhoni. Preity Zinta, the co-owner of Punjab Kings, hailed Dhoni for his performance. CSK was having a poor start in chasing the 173 runs against DC. The team lost Faf du Plessis in the first over itself, landing in a tough spot.
The platform was then set right by Robbin Uthappa and Ruturaj Gaikwad. They had a 110-run partnership in the match. Dhoni made a cameo when CSK lost Ruturaj’s wicket in the last over. He smashed the balls three times into the boundaries and finished the match off in his style.
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