5 game-changing decisions by MS Dhoni that transformed CSK

5 game-changing decisions by MS Dhoni that transformed CSK (Source: Chennai IPL/Instagram)

There is solid evidence why MS Dhoni is regarded as one of the finest cricketers to ever grace cricket. Throughout his cricketing journey, he has been at the forefront of many iconic cricketing moments – both as batter and captain. For India, the combination of his prowess as a batter and tactical acumen has led the nation to many historic triumphs in bilateral series as well as global tournaments across all formats.

His immense popularity made him one of the faces of the Indian Premier League too. Chennai Super Kings acquired the wicketkeeper-batter’s services for INR 9.5 crore ahead of the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008. Other than the two seasons in 2016 and 2017 in which CSK were banned from the tournament, he has been an integral part of their setup.

Ahead of the ongoing 18th edition of the Indian Premier League, Dhoni has represented CSK in 234 games. Majorly slotting in the lower middle-order, his numbers of 4,669 runs in 202 innings while possessing a strike rate of 139.12 are truly extraordinarily consistent statistics. Furthermore, he has also altered the outcomes of many games and hence shaped seasons with his cricketing intelligence and on-field presence of mind.

Here are the five game-changing decisions by MS Dhoni that transformed CSK:

5. Pushing limits to stay fit for IPL 2025

A whole lot of individuals felt IPL 2024 would be Dhoni’s last with the franchise, and that he would hang up his boots from the IPL after years of service for the franchise. Despite his advancing age, he kept at it and maintained his fitness as he has over the years. It was revealed at the end of October last year that Dhoni would be among the players retained by the franchise ahead of the mega auction in November 2024.

With the IPL rules changing, he was eligible to be retained as an uncapped player. With him already transferring the baton of captaincy after the 2023 title-winning campaign, it meant that Dhoni would play as a player. With no competitive cricket being played, Dhoni did his best to maintain his shape over these past several months. There were numerous instances where he would be spotted at his athletic best.

4. Leading CSK to IPL 2023 glory after reclaiming full-time captaincy

The 2022 edition of the IPL was a blend of lows and highs for CSK. Ravindra Jadeja was initially offered a full-time role as the captain of CSK. However, six losses in their first eight games were enough for the team management to reinstate Dhoni as their captain. It was a season to forget for the franchise. They ended ninth on the points table with 10 losses in 14 group-stage games.

Dhoni was entrusted with leading CSK in the 2023 edition. Unsurprisingly, the Men in Yellow were back to their trademark best. With eight wins, five losses, and one washed-out fixture, CSK finished second in the league phase. They then registered a 15-run victory over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1. They met the same opponents in the final. Once again, they emerged victors and secured their fifth title in the marquee T20 league.

3. Crafty field placement to dismiss Kieron Pollard in IPL 2022 

It was a tactical masterclass that Dhoni pulled out from his 2010 and 2017 archives to get the better of Kieron Pollard during a group-stage game during IPL 2022. Maheesh Theekshana was entrusted to bowl the 17th over of the first innings. Feeding to Pollard’s fondness of aiming a hit to the straight boundary, Dhoni placed two long-ons – one regular and the other a few inches to the right of the straight-hit region.

A short-of-a-length delivery pushed a tad quicker than the first ball of the over was gobbled by Shivam Dube at the unorthodox fielding position near the boundary. It was a vital blow for CSK. The danger man departed after scoring only 14 off nine deliveries. The game was a nail-biting duel, with Dhoni securing a thrilling victory while remaining unbeaten on 28 off 13.

2. Marching onto the field to confront umpires over contentious no-ball call

CSK’s clash against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in 2019 was one of the exceptionally rare instances of Dhoni losing his cool on the field. It was about a controversial on-field call made on the field in the final over of the game. The then-CSK skipper entered the field of play in a particularly agitated manner after the fourth delivery of the over was initially given a no-ball for height by the umpire at the bowler’s end, only to be deemed as a legal delivery the moment his colleague at square-leg differed in opinion.

Dhoni intervened by storming out from the dugout and into the field of play a few moments after the on-field batters were seen arguing about the final verdict which had been passed. Dhoni was spotted in quite an animated avatar, much to the awe of everyone at the venue and other spectators. Interestingly, this came a delivery after he was dismissed after notching up a valiant half-century himself. After the match, it was revealed that he had been docked 50% of his match fees for the outburst.

1. Leading CSK to redemption 

CSK’s two-year ban in 2016 and 2017 saw Dhoni represent Rising Pune Supergiant during the two seasons. There were a lot of apprehensions about how the franchise would mark its return to the league once the period of punishment was served. After all, they had been suspended due to the owners being involved in the 2013 IPL betting case. The verdict of the same was passed in July 2015.

However, it was a comeback to remember for CSK. They came out all guns blazing with a revamped squad in 2018. Winning five out of their first six fixtures led them to eventually sit in second place on the points table after the league stage had concluded. They emerged as champions after defeating table toppers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, in Qualifier 1 and then in the final. While it was a truly all-round performance by CSK, Dhoni understandably received his share of praise for leading the team.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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