Top Five Innings of MS Dhoni in IPL

MS Dhoni, the iconic figure in both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and international cricket, recently added another feather to his illustrious cap by clinching his fifth IPL title as captain. Widely regarded as one of the greatest captains India has ever produced and unquestionably the finest wicket-keeper, Dhoni’s journey from being the son of a pump operator in Ranchi to becoming a cricketing legend is the stuff dreams are made of. 

Throughout his career, he has played numerous innings that have left an indelible mark on the hearts of cricket fans worldwide, with his match-winning six in the 2011 World Cup final etched in the memory of every Indian.

Dhoni has been an integral part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise since the inception of the IPL, barring the two years when he represented the Rising Pune Supergiants due to CSK’s suspension. His debut in the tournament came against the Punjab franchise in 2008, and ever since, Dhoni has consistently illuminated the IPL with his exceptional batting, exemplary wicket-keeping skills, and astute captaincy. In this article, we revisit history and delve into the top five knocks of Dhoni in the history of the IPL.

MS Dhoni – 84* (48) vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore (2019)

During the 2019 IPL, Dhoni played the innings of a lifetime as he single-handedly guided the Chennai Super Kings to a seemingly impossible victory. CSK found themselves struggling at 28/4 while chasing a target of 162 runs. Dhoni then embarked on a magnificent counter-attacking innings, scoring an unbeaten 84 runs off just 48 deliveries at a blistering strike rate of 175. With a six, he secured the victory for CSK in trademark Dhoni style.

MS Dhoni – 75* (46) vs. Rajasthan Royals (2019)

In the same season, Dhoni produced another breath-taking inning, this time against the Rajasthan Royals while batting first. Faced with a tricky situation, Dhoni decided to take charge and launched an assault on the opposition bowlers. His innings included four towering sixes, as he batted with a strike rate of 163, propelling CSK to a formidable total of 175 runs.

MS Dhoni – 70* (34) vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore (2018)

Playing against the Royal Challengers Bangalore has always brought out the best in Dhoni. Among his many memorable and significant knocks against them, his innings in 2018 stand out. Dhoni walked in when CSK required an imposing 80 runs from just six overs to complete the chase of 206 runs. In an extraordinary display of power hitting, he smashed an unbeaten 70 runs off a mere 34 deliveries, which included seven boundaries and five sixes, at a staggering strike rate of over 200.

MS Dhoni – 79* (44) vs. Kings XI Punjab (2010)

During the 2010 season, Dhoni unleashed his aggressive side against the Kings XI Punjab, treating their bowlers with disdain. In a truly sensational innings, he remained unbeaten on 79 runs off 44 balls, steering CSK to a thrilling victory. With the team reeling at 74/4 while chasing 193, Dhoni’s knock, embellished with four fours and five towering sixes, turned the tide in favor of his side from an impossible situation.

MS Dhoni – 51* (20) vs. Mumbai Indians (2012)

In a clash against their arch-rivals, the Mumbai Indians, in 2012, Dhoni played an inning for the ages, guiding CSK to a successful chase of 174 runs. His unbeaten knock of 51 runs off just 20 deliveries showcased his ability to thrive under pressure. Dhoni displayed a staggering strike rate of over 250 in that innings, smashing Mumbai’s bowlers all over the park. It was a stunning victory for CSK, where Dhoni demonstrated his composure and unmatched finishing abilities.