“MS Dhoni’s IPL legacy: Memorable moments include title wins, successful defense, and a remarkable 2018 comeback with Chennai Super Kings.”
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is still the only competition where MS Dhoni plays cricket since he announced his retirement from the national team in 2020. Fans excitedly await his return to lead the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) each year, and with the lucrative Twenty20 league just around the corner, the anticipation is only growing. After CSK won their fifth championship last year, Dhoni will be the co-most successful captain for the upcoming campaign. While supporters eagerly anticipate Dhoni’s return this season, let’s look back at some of his most memorable IPL moments:
The picture-perfect moment with Ravindra Jadeja:
The 2023 IPL final saw Ravindra Jadeja unleash his inner beast. When CSK needed 10 runs off the final two deliveries against the Gujarat Titans, he hit a six and a four. Following Jadeja’s valiant display in the championship match, Dhoni put her up on his lap. The cricket fans’ memories of the image were permanently etched. The alleged falling out between the Chennai-based team and Jadeja was resolved at what turned out to be an incredible moment.
First IPL title
Before MS Dhoni led CSK to their first IPL title in 2010, no Indian captain had accomplished the feat in the franchise competition. However, it was only the beginning for Dhoni, who went on to replicate his success over the next four seasons. He now shares the record for most IPL trophies with former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma.
The first captain to successfully defend the championship
Following his incredible victory in the ODI World Cup, MS Dhoni became the first captain of the IPL to win the title again, this time with CSK in 2011. They defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore in both of their elimination matches after putting on a strong performance during the group stage. After winning Qualifier 1 by six wickets, CSK won the final by a score of 58 runs.
2018 comeback victory
Following a two-season suspension, CSK orchestrated an incredible return in the 2018 campaign. The team captained by MS Dhoni came in second in the league standings. In the first qualifier, they defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad, who were atop the table, and they faced the same opponents in the final. In the summit confrontation, CSK appeared more in control. They only lost two wickets while chasing a target of 179 runs.