Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Indian cricket legend MS Dhoni turned back the clock after finishing yet another match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in style. Playing against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) and needing 17 runs in the last over which was being bowled by Jaydev Unadkat, Dhoni smashed 6,4,2,4 in the last four balls to take his team to an ecstatic win.
This was also MI's seventh straight loss, the longest losing streak since the league's inception back in 2008.
Unadkat started the over brightly, picking up the wicket of the well-set Dwaine Pretorious who smashed 22 off 14 balls. With the tide seemingly in MI's favour. they needed 17 runs off the last five balls of the matches to secure their first win of the season. But the 40-year-old wicketkeeper-batter had other plans, smashing the required 17 in the over to take his side home.
Dhoni was hailed on Twitter as many felt the finisher is still not finished. The biggest compliment came from his former India and CSK teammate Suresh Raina, who said, "The most awaited match of the tournament. A much-needed innings by our very own MS Dhoni. Bhai (brother) at the end, always a delight to watch! Congratulations to the whole CSK team on another massive win."
English cricketer Kate Cross also shared her congratulations on twitter, saying she never doubted the defending champions, "Never in doubt Chennai... always MS Dhoni."
Former English Skipper Michael Vaughan referred to Dhoni as the best last-over specialist there is, while former Australian cricketer and commentator Lisa Sthalekar was in awe over Dhoni's finishing abilities.
"The GREATEST last over Hitter of all Time," Vaughan said on twitter.
"How does MS Dhoni still do it…the greatest finisher," claimed Sthalekar.
His teammate Robin Uthappa, whose 25-ball 30 began Chennai's run chase, was glad to have won his 200th IPL match, and also thanked Dhoni for the win, "A special one for me... 200th with a sweet victory! Solid Chennai... Can never get tired of seeing
MS Dhoni finish it in style."
Dhoni is the only player to successfully chase more than 15 in the final over of the IPL three times. No other batsman has done it more than once. He has also hit 51 sixes in the 20th over in the IPL - the most by any player.
