[Watch] Chepauk crowd lets out a huge roar as MS Dhoni walks out to bat in CSK vs LSG IPL 2024 match
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni walked out to bat to a rousing reception from the Chepauk crowd during the IPL 2024 match against the Lucknow Super Giants (CSK) on Tuesday. With Shivam Dube walking back to the pavilion and the 42-year-old making his way, spectators could hardly contain their emotions.
However, Dhoni got the opportunity to face only one delivery. The final over started with Shivam Dube hammering a six off Marcus Stoinis' bowling, followed by scoring four runs off the next two deliveries. However, the southpaw was run out for 66 in the next ball. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was unbeaten on 107, managed only a single, handing the strike to MS Dhoni.
MS Dhoni went on to finish the innings by clubbing the ball to the mid-wicket region for a boundary, lifting their side to 210 in 20 overs.
Watch the clip here:
The Super Kings were sent into bat by KL Rahul after winning the toss. The likes of Ajinkya Rahane, Daryl Mitchell, and Ravindra Jadeja couldn't make substantial contributions. The 104-run partnership between Gaikwad and Dube put Chennai Kings into the driver's seat.
AB de Villiers urges MS Dhoni to bat higher up the order
Keeping in mind MS Dhoni's exploits earlier in the tournament, former IPL stalwart AB de Villiers reckons it's wishful thinking from the ex-captain to bat down the order, but believes there is a strong case to do otherwise.
De Villiers spoke in his recent YouTube video:
"Yeah, I understand he is a guy who is not playing a lot of cricket these days. He comes in, prepares for the IPL and that's all he plays. So, maybe him batting down the order has come from himself thinking that he is not in such great form, maybe the younger guys, who play 12 months of the year, deserve a chance to bat up the order."
"But, with stats like these, it's very difficult for me to agree with that. 28 not out off 9 vs LSG, 20 off 4 against MI, 37 off 16 vs DC. Look at all that not outs, that's ridiculous," he added.
MS Dhoni, who hails from Ranchi, is the joint-most successful IPL skipper with five titles.