In a classic display of his late-inning heroics, MS Dhoni once again thrilled fans with a late flurry for CSK. His entrance onto the field at a crucial juncture, when the match was tilting slightly in Gujarat Titans’ favor, injected excitement into the game for Chennai Super Kings supporters. Dhoni’s knock, although brief, was impactful, as he smashed three sixes and a boundary to notch up an entertaining 26 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Of the three maximums Dhoni struck, two were memorable helicopter shots, both off Rashid Khan in the penultimate over. The first delivery of the over witnessed Dhoni executing his trademark helicopter shot with finesse, sending the ball soaring effortlessly over the boundary. Despite his age of 42, Dhoni’s mastery of this premier weapon remains evident.
WATCH – Rashid Khan’s Acrobatic Catch Stuns Ruturaj Gaikwad
His brilliance continued as he dispatched the next ball for another six, displaying remarkable hand-eye coordination and power with just one hand. Although CSK ultimately succumbed to a 35-run defeat, Dhoni’s brief cameo of 26 runs in just 11 balls infused excitement among CSK supporters.
The Helicopter Shot 🚁
A maximum from #CSK‘s Number 7️⃣💥
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Earlier in the match, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudarshan’s centuries propelled Titans to a mammoth total of 231 runs in 20 overs, courtesy of their outstanding 210-run opening partnership. CSK’s pursuit of 232 started on a rocky note, with both openers, Rachin Ravindra and Ajinkya Rahane, dismissed on back-to-back deliveries with just two runs on the board.
Despite the early setbacks, Moeen Ali and Daryl Mitchell staged a valiant fightback with a 109-run partnership. However, once they departed, CSK’s chances dwindled rapidly.
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Although Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube showed intent, Chennai’s defeat seemed inevitable as they fell short by 35 runs. Mitchell emerged as the top-scorer for CSK with 63 runs. Shubman Gill received the man of the match award for his spectacular 104-run innings.
