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Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni enthralled the crowd at Vizag with a 16-ball 37 cameo against Rishabh Pant’s Delhi Capitals (DC). CSK lost the match by 20 runs but the crowd was the loudest as Dhoni smashed the ball for fours and sixes in the slog overs.
While many questioned his batting position in the run chase, photos of him wearing an icepack while talking to DC youngster Abhishek Porel went viral on social media. On the following day, the franchise shared a video of Dhoni limping off the field after meeting the groundsmen and acknowledging his fans in the stadium.
Dhoni's first knock of IPL 2024
The 42-year-old walked out to bat at no.8 in the run chase of 192. When he arrived at the crease, CSK needed 72 runs from 23 balls.
He hit Mukesh Kumar for two fours in the 17th over. In the next over, Dhoni smashed Khaleel Ahmed for a maximum. In the penultimate over, he was kept on bay by Mukesh but he went berserk against Anrich Nortje. The wicketkeeper-batter whacked the South African pacer for two sixes and two fours. He took CSK's score to 171/6.
Dhoni's last dance all but confirmed
The five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) winning captain Dhoni relinquished the leadership role before the 17th edition. Ruturaj Gaikwad became the fourth captain in CSK's IPL history.
While Dhoni has pulled off a few spectacular catches donning the gloves, he has been held back by CSK's team management, especially with Shivam Dube being used as an impact player in run chases.
Dhoni won IPL 2023 despite knee issues
The former Indian skipper struggled with his knee issues last season. He was often seen wearing a brace and ice packs were common. He underwent surgery after leading CSK to their fifth title win. While many speculated that Dhoni would retire after 2023, he promised the fans that he would continue to play and wishes to bat in front of the crowd at Chepauk Stadium again.
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