MS Dhoni hit 12 runs off 2 balls before being dismissed in third place©AFP
As Chennai Super Kings returned to Chepauk for their second game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season, fans went berserk to see ‘Thala’ MS Dhoni’s final return to his ‘home’. Dhoni’s stay on the crease lasted just three balls, two of which he sent over the rope for sixes. While Dhoni didn’t last long in the middle, the impact he created in the short time he was given left a lasting impression. While fans loved Dhoni’s exploits, the greats of the game like Anil Kumble and Chris Gayle also thoroughly enjoyed his performance.
Kumble called Dhoni’s short stay “special” as fans had waited four long years to see the iconic cricketer play at his IPL home.
“He (Dhoni) has not played cricket for a year, IPL to IPL. And now it was a return to the home crowd after 4 years. It was something very special,” iconic Indian bowler Anil Kumble said on JioCinema.
“People came to watch this – MS Dhoni bat and the two sixes is definitely a bonus for them. He hit only three balls, came in the last over. They waited all day but I’m sure they are looking forward to the CSK- win later tonight,” he had said during the break in the innings.
Chris Gayle, who is also known for his brutal punching power, said it was a special knock from Dhoni that also took him past the 5000 run mark in the T20 competition.
West Indies great Chris Gayle also praised Dhoni’s amazing cameo, saying: “That was very special and incredible 5000 runs too. That’s fantastic for his IPL career. Even more so for the fans who were treated to three deliveries and sided to a decent total of 217.”
Dhoni’s 12 runs proved to make the difference at the end, with CSK securing an LSG win by the same margin.
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