Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni launched a brutal attack on Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya in Match 29 of the IPL 2024 season at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday (April 14).
Dhoni came out to bat at No. 6 in the final over of CSK’s innings and went on to smash three consecutive sixes off Pandya. Thanks to his cameo, CSK racked up a mammoth 206/4 on the board.
After the game, CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad recognised MS Dhoni's pivotal contribution, acknowledging that it ultimately made the decisive difference.
Dhoni slammed 20* off four balls, and that proved to be the exact margin of victory for the defending champions.
"The young wicketkeeper scoring those three sixes helped us a lot, that proved to be the difference. We needed those 10-15 extra runs for this kind of venue. In the middle phase, Bumrah bowled really well. I feel we were spot on with our execution with the ball despite them scoring some great shots. I would have taken 6 overs 60 at the powerplay," Gaikwad said at the post-match interaction.
In reply, the hosts managed 186/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Rohit Sharma waged a lone battle for MI as he slammed his second IPL century (105* off 63 balls) but didn’t get ample support from the other end. Tilak Varma was the next best scorer with 31 off 20 balls.
Matheesha Pathirana starred with the ball for CSK, claiming four wickets by conceding only 28 runs in his four overs.
"You need to be on the mark with bowling and batting at this venue. Our Malinga bowled really well today, he nailed those yorkers. Not to forget, Tushar and Shardul also did well. (On plans ahead) I think we need to keep it simple, encourage all to be in a good headspace and continue the same way. Jinks was carrying a bit of a niggle, so thought it was better for him to open. I'm fine batting anywhere, plus it is the added responsibility as the team captain," Gaikwad added.
Earlier, Ruturaj Gaikwad played a brilliant knock of 40-ball 69 to lay the foundation for CSK’s huge total. All-rounder Shivam Dube also made the most of his good form as he slammed 66* off 38 balls.
It was CSK’s fourth victory in six games this season and they are currently occupying the third spot on the points table, featuring 10 teams.
Chennai Super Kings will next face Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday (April 19).
