MS Dhoni: 5 finals! 5 masterstrokes! 5 victories! One man!
MS Dhoni has undoubtedly been one of the best captains to ever play the game of cricket. Apart from his finishing abilities and wicket keeping skills, it is his on-field decisions as a captain that have won many games for the Indian cricket team.
Ruthlessness and unpredictability have always been one of the most important parts of Dhoni's captaincy. MS is always known for staying a step ahead of the opponents during the game. No one can ever predict what is going to be the big man’s next step.
There's no denying to the fact that MS Dhoni has done wonders in the limited overs format. He is the only captain to have all three ICC trophies. Even in IPL, Dhoni is the only player to enter in the finals 7 times which is the most by any player.
Here we look at the 5 masterstrokes by MS Dhoni in the 5 finals he won as captain.
#5 IPL Final 2011- Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
Giving the new ball to R. Ashwin when Gayle was batting
It was the year 2011. The final and the last encounter of the 4th edition saw a southern derby as the defending champions Chennai Super Kings were facing the table toppers Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Chennai Super Kings won the toss and elected to bat. With the help of a scintillating opening partnership of 159 runs by Murali Vijay and Mike Hussey, CSK posted a total of 205 runs in 20 overs. Chasing a mammoth, all eyes were on the Caribbean legend Chris Gayle who was the highest run-scorer of the tournament. He was the only who could have pulled of the chase from there. But as they say, MS Dhoni is always one step ahead of his opponent. The former Indian captain did exactly the same.
Keeping an eye on Gayle’s weakness against off-spin, MSD gave the new ball to Ashwin and asked him the start the proceedings for CSK. Ashwin didn’t disappoint his captain and took the wicket of Chris Gayle on the very 4th ball of the first over. The universe boss bagged a duck in the final and RCB, after losing Gayle, weren’t able to make a comeback. RCB scored 147 runs in 20 overs and handed an easy win to CSK. Dhoni’s tactical move to give the new ball to R. Ashwin turned out to be a masterstroke and ensured the silverware to the super kings for the second time on the trot!