In an electrifying display of cricketing prowess at the Wankhede Stadium, former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni reminded everyone of his glory days with a spectacular performance that carved his name into IPL history. On Sunday, April 14, Dhoni achieved a feat no other Indian has managed before, by hitting three consecutive sixes in the first three balls of his innings, leading CSK to a massive total of over 200 runs against the formidable Mumbai Indians.
As the match neared its climax, the 42-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman walked into a pressure-cooker situation in the final over of the innings. With his team looking to set a challenging target, Dhoni used his unmatched finishing skills to hammer 20 runs off just four balls. The crowd erupted as he launched into Mumbai Indians’ bowler Hardik Pandya, sending the ball sailing over long-off, long-on, and square leg for three massive sixes.
This extraordinary achievement made Dhoni the first Indian and the third player overall in IPL history to hit three consecutive sixes at the beginning of an innings, joining the likes of Sunil Narine and Nicholas Pooran who reached this milestone in 2021 and 2023 respectively. The sixes were crucial, not only boosting CSK’s total to 206/4 but also shifting the momentum firmly in their favor.
Dhoni’s onslaught did not stop at the sixes. He proceeded to secure a double on the final delivery, ensuring CSK capitalized fully on their innings. This strategic acceleration of runs likely played a pivotal role in CSK’s subsequent 20-run victory over Mumbai Indians. Prior to this match, Mumbai had successfully chased totals in their last four outings at their home ground, a streak decidedly broken by the Super Kings’ formidable score and tight bowling.
The latter part of the game saw CSK’s bowling attack, led by the young Matheesha Pathirana, execute a brilliant defensive strategy. The pacers kept their deliveries wide of the off-stump, denying the Mumbai batters any easy hits. Pathirana, returning from an injury break, was especially lethal, claiming four wickets for 28 runs and earning the Player of the Match for his crucial role in thwarting the hosts.
Alongside Dhoni, notable contributions came from Ruturaj Gaikwad, who played a sterling innings scoring 69 runs off 40 balls, and Shivam Dube, adding a powerful 66 from 38 balls. These innings set the stage for Dhoni’s dramatic entrance and were instrumental in building a formidable total for CSK.
This match was not just a display of Dhoni’s enduring ability to influence high-pressure games, but also a testament to his continued importance in T20 cricket. Even at the age of 42, Dhoni’s capability to read the game and seize the moment shows why he remains one of the most respected and feared cricketers in the format.
As MS Dhoni etched his name yet again into the IPL records, fans and pundits were left admiring the sheer impact of his brief yet explosive performance. His ability to turn games is unmatched, and this latest achievement is just another highlight in an illustrious career packed with memorable moments that continue to thrill cricket lovers around the world.
