MS Dhoni's Last-Ball Finish Provides CSK Fans 'Moments Of Joy'
Dhoni's vintage finishing act was appreciated by CSK fans and cricketers
Things haven’t been easy for the defending champions, the Chennai Super Kings. Playing without their strike bowler, Chennai had to wait for five matches to register their first victory. Their second win came on Thursday, April 21st, when MS Dhoni struck a flurry of boundaries to guide his team past Mumbai Indians’ total.
While the road to playoffs looks treacherous, Dhoni’s vintage finishing act provided CSK fans a moment of pure joy in what has otherwise been an unforgiving campaign.
Once a finisher, always a finisher. Hard luck Mumbai.
#Dhoni #MIvCSK #TATAIPL2022 pic.twitter.com/9Kq3VQ192a
— Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) April 21, 2022
When Dhoni finally came on strike in the 20th over, CSK needed 16 from the last four balls. Jaydev Unadkat’s attempted yorker fell right in the arc of Dhoni, who whacked it over the bowler’s head for a six. Jaydev overcompensated with a slow bouncer, which was pulled over the fine leg for another boundary.
With four required off the last ball, Dhoni squeezed away a low full toss to fine leg to finish the game for his team.
Dhoni changing the game in last over #CSKvsMi pic.twitter.com/C1TJ6tJeTF
— amazon prime video IN (@PrimeVideoIN) April 21, 2022
Dhoni, on his way off the ground, was greeted with a bow from CSK captain Ravindra Jadeja.
Should we bow? Yes he’s a king. @imjadeja @msdhoni #Dhoni pic.twitter.com/PQPt7vR1iM
— WhistlePodu Army ® – CSK Fan Club (@CSKFansOfficial) April 21, 2022
Other than the fans, even cricketers were in awe of his finishing.
Michael Vaughan, the former England captain, called him “the greatest last-over hitter,” while Venkatesh Prasad praised his composure.
The GREATEST last over Hitter of all Time … #MSDhoni #Fact #IPL2022
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 21, 2022
The greatest last over batter. What a win from Dhoni. Calmness and flawless execution. #MIvsCSK
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) April 21, 2022
Soon after finishing the game, Dhoni donned the role of mentor, as young players from both sides swarmed around him for advice.
The most awaited match of the tournament #CSKvMI. A much needed innings by our very own @msdhoni bhai at the end, always a delight to watch! Congratulations to the whole #CSK team on another massive win ? #yellove pic.twitter.com/2H0GTZh3xX
— Suresh Raina?? (@ImRaina) April 21, 2022