Dhoni: The real 'Superking' amongst all the other kings
The stage was set, the two teams, Kings XI Punjab and CSK were ready to take on each other in a much-anticipated encounter of IPL 2018.
The Superkings were successful in beating two top-notch opponents, the Mumbai Indians and the Kolkatta Knight Riders in their opening two fixtures. On the other hand, Kings XI had a dream start to their IPL run when they won against the Delhi Daredevils in their opening encounter but then they suffered a defeat against RCB in their second game.
Ravichandran Ashwin who played for CSK in the previous editions of IPL was playing up against his former team and teammates. Christoper Henry Gayle took the IS Bindra Stadium at Mohali by storm when he scored 63 runs off 33 deliveries in his first ever game for the Kings XI. He was ably supported by inform KL Rahul and Karun Nair which helped Kings XI Punjab reach a total of 197/7.
Chennai Superkings lost early wickets while chasing but were kept in the hunt by the partnership of 50 runs between Ambati Rayadu and MS Dhoni. Dhoni took over the control when Rayadu departed after a brilliant effort by Ravi Chandran Ashwin in the field. MS Dhoni produced one of the scintillating innings of his career and went on to smash 79 not out off just 44 balls.
The crowd was truly entertained by Dhoni's stunning innings where he hit five sixes and six fours. Dhoni produced this stupendous knock even when he was in pain and he received treatment from the CSK physio in the middle of the chase.
Everyone present at the stadium was left stunned by MSD's innings and at one time the whole stadium was singing to his tunes.
Dhoni's innings was truly a captain's knock but it was not sufficient to take his side to victory. Mohit Sharma held his nerves and bowled a tight last over to see his side through.
Although the match was won by the Kings XI, surely the crowd was won by MSD. No matter what was the result but Dhoni had shown that why one should never write off a legend by playing a memorable knock that will be remembered for year's to come.