Though Kings XI Punjab defeated Chennai Super Kings by four runs in Mohali on Sunday to end southern outfit’s winning run in the Indian Premier League (IPL), it was MS Dhoni who stole everyone’s attention with his extraordinary innings.
Put in to bat, Punjab wasted their solid start but managed to post a challenging total of 197/7. In reply, Chennai batters failed.
Apart from Ambati Rayudu (49) and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (79 not out), no other batsman seemed comfortable in front of Punjab’s bowlers and went cheaply to lose the game.
Big names like Shane Watson (11), Murali Vijay (12), Sam Billings (9) and Ravindra Jadeja (19) failed to score big. Towards the end, Dhoni tried to pull off the things single-handedly but failed and his 44-ball unbeaten innings went in vain.
During his 79-run innings, Dhoni had struck five sixes and six fours. Dhoni had also hurt his back while taking a quick double and was visibly in pain but that does not stop CSK skipper from thrashing the Punjab bowlers all over the stadium.
Here is how fans reacted to Dhoni’s outstanding batting:
That was quite a show by MS Dhoni. Love watching his interviews, loved when he mentioned God has given him enough power he doesn’t need to use his back to hit sixes(referring to injury). Kings 11 will be delighted with this win #KXIPvCSK
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 15, 2018
No matter the result. MS Dhoni showing why you should never write off a legend! #Dhoni #IPL #CSK
— Alexandra Hartley (@AlexHartley93) April 15, 2018
Great striking there by @msdhoni almost pulled it off. 200 not safe these days is it? Got a feel of it yesterday 🤦♂️
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) April 15, 2018
@msdhoni Bhai You are champion 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 hard Luck but that inning was absolutely Amazing and outstanding to Watch 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) April 15, 2018
Wow @msdhoni.. what an amazing effort that was 😱 these games are doing nothing for my nerves!! #KXIPvCSK #IPL
— Kate Cross (@katecross16) April 15, 2018
Take a bow @msdhoni OLD IS GOLD @ChennaiIPL vs @lionsdenkxip congratulations kings 11.. @IPL
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) April 15, 2018
Surely he is in Pain. Struggling to stay there. Sends back the Physio. That’s MS Dhoni for you. #KXIPvCSK
— Prabhu 🏏 (@Cricprabhu) April 15, 2018
36 years of age
Required run rate around 20
Lower back pain
Still tried his everything
That’s MS Dhoni for you 😎
— Gujarati Jon Snow (@Gujju_Jon) April 15, 2018
What a freaking champion is @msdhoni !! Back out of commission, but that pummelling was outstanding. “God has given me enough power so I don’t have to use my back”. That ladies and gentlemen is true grit. What a man. @ChennaiIPL #csk #whistlepodu !!
— Amitashh Pradhan (@amitashpradhan) April 15, 2018
-With IANS inputs.