The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni has once again proved that why he is known as the best finisher in the world as he almost single-handedly took CSK to chase down a daunting target against Kings XI Punjab in Mohali, but it was a bad back injury that saw the skipper fall just short as KXIP won by 4 runs. His daughter Ziva, accompanied by wife Sakshi Dhoni at the ground, was cheering her dad from the stands as he was smashing the KXIP bowlers all over the park.
Taking to Instagram, Dhoni posted a short video showing his daughter Ziva asking for a hug from his daddy who was batting at that time. He captioned the video: “When Ziva wanted to give a hug to papa during the match.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhoDG_tHcei/?utm_source=ig_embed
Despite the fact that Chennai did end on the losing side against Punjab but Dhoni’s knock will be memorable for most of his fans. Powered by Chris Gayle’s 33-ball 63, Punjab posted a formidable 197 for seven on the board after being put into bat. For CSK, Ambati Rayudu sparkled a bit and his 49 in 35 balls managed to keep CSK in the hunt.
He was joined by MS after Sam Billings (9) was trapped plumb in front of the stumps by Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin in the seventh over. CSK were in more than a spot of bother at 56 for three in 6.4 overs. Dhoni took his time initially as Rayudu played the role of the attacker. But while taking a quick double, the CSK skipper injured his back and needed medical attention.
Our skipper @msdhoni along with Ziva on our team bus, as we get ready to go to the airport #whistlepodu pic.twitter.com/v3xvbJnD27
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 16, 2018
Dhoni returned to action after taking some painkillers and a back rub, but soon after that, things went from bad to worse for CSK as the in-form Rayudu was sent packing by Ashwin’s inch-perfect throw. When all looked lost for CSK, Dhoni came up with his unexpected onslaught on the Punjab bowlers, who had no clue what to do in order to stop the barrage coming their way.
Needing 17 off the final over, Dhoni was unable to stretch properly due to his bad back, could not make the much-needed connections on the three balls and that proved to be the difference. Dhoni finished things off with a six but it came a bit late as CSK needed 11 runs off the final ball and his team suffered their first defeat of the ongoing season of IPL.
