MS Dhoni proved that the finisher in him is not dead yet, and scored a pulsating unbeaten 18 off just 6 deliveries including 3 fours and 1 six to help the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) reach the summit clash of the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
And now, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has offered his thoughts on this incredible knock from MS Dhoni. Stating that he is feeling emotional about the CSK skipper, Sanjay Manjrekar added that even though ‘lion’ MS Dhoni is much older, the CSK skipper still has a belief in him.
MS Dhoni Reminded All Why He Is Rated As One Of The All-Time Greats In White Ball Cricket: Sanjay Manjrekar
Adding that there were other heroes in CSK’s victory as well, the 56-year-old commentator reckoned that the CSK skipper once again reminded the world why he is rated as one of the all-time greats in limited-overs cricket.
“I am feeling really emotional about Dhoni. The lion is much older now, but to have that belief to go and bat in that position with Jadeja after him and then finding the shots under pressure to get those winning runs. There were other heroes as well, but Dhoni reminded everyone about why we rate him as one of the all-time greats in white-ball cricket,” said Sanjay Manjrekar in a chat with ESPNCricinfo.
Before the exhilarating finish, it was the top-order duo of Ruturaj Gaikwad (70) and Robin Uthappa (63) that set up a solid foundation with a 110-run partnership for the second wicket. CSK was in trouble early on in the chase after losing Faf Du Plessis for 1 run in the first over itself.
MS Dhoni showed his match-winning abilities in crunch situations as his 6 ball cameo of 18 runs including 3 fours and 1 six. CSK was in a spot of bother at 149/5 and then 160/6 and MS Dhoni contributed when it mattered most.
MS Dhoni has the belief even at this stage of his career: Sanjay Manjrekar
Sanjay Manjrekar also applauded CSK skipper MS Dhoni for the self-confidence and the self-belief that he possesses, even at the fag end of his career, and concluded by stating that it was indeed incredible on MS Dhoni’s part to put himself in the firing line to finish the job for his side.
“Just that confidence and the belief that he can do it, and that this stage of your career, you back yourself to do it, and put yourself in the firing line. Incredible,” concluded Sanjay Manjrekar.
It seemed at one stage that the duo would take the side home after taming the DC bowling unit. CSK, however, lost trajectory after the loss of Robin Uthappa’s wicket, which brought upon the surprise promotion of Shardul Thakur at No.4. He fell for a first-ball duck and Ambati Rayudu was then run out after scoring 1 and Moeen Ali contributed by scoring 16 off 12. The scoreline was 160/6 in the 20th over.
MS Dhoni will next be seen in action on the field on 15th October 2021 during the summit clash of IPL 2021. The 2021 IPL final will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Chennai Super Kings 173 for 6 (Gaikwad 70, Uthappa 63*, T Curran 3-29) beat Delhi Capitals 172 for 5 (Shaw 60, Pant 51*, Hazlewood 2-29) by four wickets