Chennai Super Kings fans were hopeful of seeing MS Dhoni come out to bat early on Sunday after the team incurred a dramatic middle-order collapse. However, many were left surprised upon seeing Shardul Thakur come out to bat ahead of the ‘Thala’. The situation then saw Shardul remain in the middle for 11 balls before being dismissed in the penultimate over of the innings. The bizarre decision by the CSK management meant that Dhoni batted at the No. 9 spot for the first time in his T20 career. However, his stay lasted for only one ball, with Punjab Kings pacer Harshal Patel getting him out clean bowled with a slow yorker.
It was the first time that Dhoni was dismissed by a bowler in this IPL season, with his only dismissal in this campaign before coming in the form of a run-out. While Dhoni was fully deceived by Harshal’s slower delivery, it was his batting number that triggered an epic meme-fest on social media.
The decorated wicketkeeper’s appearance in eight innings at No 8 has all come across IPL 2023 and 2024. Once again, fireworks were expected from the effortless power hitter, which would send CSK’s score to a competitive total.
However, a sublime off-cutter from Harshal Patel on the final ball of the penultimate over left the fans dazed, as Dhoni walked back for a golden duck.
A slower ball off-cutter on the stumps dipped enough to sneak past Dhoni’s bat and peg the off-stump. While Dhoni fans were left stunned, the PBKS camp felt a wave of ecstasy. Preity Zinta broke into a big smile as PBKS fans rejoiced to celebrate the veteran batter’s wicket.
Dhoni has overall struggled to put up runs on the board against the crafty pacer. In 33 deliveries, Dhoni has managed to amass 25 runs at an average of 8.33 and a strike rate of 75.75. In 33 deliveries, the CSK batter has been dismissed three times by Harshal.
Ravindra Jadeja drove CSK’s score in the final over before being dismissed by Arshdeep Singh. He scored 43 runs and hammered 3 fours and 2 sixes during his influential knock.
CSK managed to put up 167/9 on the board, which proved to be enough for the visitors. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side clinched a 28-run and moved up to third place in the points table with six wins and five losses, giving them 12 points. PBKS sit in the eighth spot with four wins, seven losses and just eight points.
