IPL 2023: Digital viewership skyrockets to 2.2 crore during MS Dhoni’s batting carnage against RR

MS Dhoni. (Photo Source: Jio Cinema)

MS Dhoni is one of the tallest names in world cricket and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of his admirers even after two years of his retirement from international cricket. This was testified by another incident during the 17th clash of the Indian Premier League 2022 when the viewership of IPL’s digital broadcaster JioCinema touched a massive 2.2 crore figure when MS Dhoni came out to bat in Chennai Super King’s chase against Rajasthan Royals.

Playing their second home match of the season, Chennai were fumbling after the loss of six wickets within 113 runs but it was Dhoni who once again, took control of the CSK innings and drove a near-successful run chase against Rajasthan Royals. He came in to bat in the 15th over and remained unbeaten till the end, effecting an edge-of-the-seat run chase with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. It was during this period that JioCinema’s network registered an enormous viewership of 2.2 crores, who had taken to the app to watch Dhoni’s innings live.

Dhoni showed glimpses of his vintage self as he hammered 32 runs off just 17 deliveries, courtesy of one four, three maximums and some brilliant athleticism between the wickets. He was ably assisted by his trusted lieutenant Jadeja who, too, remained unbeaten after scoring 25 runs off 15 deliveries. His innings included one four and two sixes. Both Dhoni and Jadeja took the game really close but failed to take CSK home as Rajasthan eventually won the match by just three runs.

Devon Conway and Ajinkya Rahane set the tone for Chennai

Chasing 176 on the familiar turf of MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Super Kings lost their key man Ruturaj Gaikwad early on in the innings. However, it was the pair of Devon Conway and Ajinkya Rahane who set the beat for the home team as the duo perfectly complemented each other to stitch a crucial 68-run partnership for the second wicket.

While Rahane continued from where he had left his previous innings against Mumbai, Conway played the role of an anchor to give Rahane his safe space for hitting those big shots. Rahane amassed 31 runs off just 19 deliveries, over two fours and one maximum. Conway, meanwhile, notched up a half-century before he was dismissed on 50 by Yuzvendra Chahal. His 38-ball innings comprised six boundaries.

Batting first, Rajasthan rode on the spectacular performances from Jos Buttler and Shimron Hetmyer to put up a total of 175/8. Buttler recorded yet another half-century as the Englishman scored a 36-ball-52 before being bowled out by Moeen Ali. Hetmyer remained unbeaten on 30 to accelerate RR’s innings towards the end. Meanwhile, Devdutt Padikkal and Ravichandran Ashwin scored 38 and 30, respectively.