Dhoni is the second-most successful skipper in IPL history, guiding his team to five IPL trophies in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023, respectively.
The legacy of MS Dhoni, the former captain of Chennai Super Kings, as a finisher in the Indian Premier League (IPL) remains unparalleled.
His leadership and ability to navigate his team through challenging situations have left an enduring mark on the tournament. Even in daunting challenges, Dhoni remains unflappable, displaying remarkable poise and skill. Throughout his career, Dhoni has rewritten records with his shrewd captaincy and has a unique talent for altering match outcomes single-handedly. His ability to stay composed under pressure and deliver in critical moments earns fans and peers admiration. Dhoni ranks as the second most successful skipper in IPL history, guiding his team to five IPL trophies in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023, respectively.
Here's a glimpse into four of his most memorable finishes.
In a crucial moment, needing 17 runs off the final over against Mumbai Indians, Dhoni displayed his vintage finisher's prowess with unmatched finesse. Against Jaydev Unadkat, Dhoni unleashed his trademark aggression, dispatching a towering six followed by a boundary off consecutive deliveries. Dhoni's clinical finish left the bowler and the entire Mumbai team shell-shocked. With an unbeaten 28 runs off just 13 deliveries, he again underscored why he's hailed as one of the greatest finishers in IPL history.
In a tense encounter against Rajasthan Royals at Chepauk, CSK found themselves in a familiar predicament, with their top order struggling at 88/4. It was the perfect setting for their captain, MS Dhoni, to exhibit his brilliance again. Challenged by formidable bowlers like Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes, and Jaydev Unadkat, Dhoni rose to the occasion. With his trademark calmness and calculated aggression, he powered to a sensational 75 runs off just 46 deliveries. His innings stabilised CSK's innings and propelled them to a competitive total of 175/5, a score that ultimately proved decisive. In the second innings, CSK's bowlers showcased their mettle to defend the total, eventually securing victory by a margin of 8 runs.
In the pulsating IPL 2018 season, CSK staged a remarkable comeback, clinching their third IPL title. A defining moment in their journey came in a thrilling encounter against Royal Challengers Bangalore, where Dhoni showcased his prowess yet again. Facing a daunting target of 206 runs, Chennai's top order faltered, leaving them reeling at 74/4. It was a moment that demanded a memorable innings, and Dhoni rose to the occasion with characteristic determination. Dhoni unleashed his attacking prowess in sheer brilliance, hammering an unbeaten 70 runs off just 34 deliveries. His calculated aggression and impeccable timing propelled CSK towards the target, guiding them to a memorable victory with five wickets in hand and two balls to spare.
In a nail-biting encounter against Kings XI Punjab, Dhoni once again showcased his unrivalled prowess as a finisher, orchestrating a stunning victory for Chennai Super Kings. With 16 runs needed off the final over and the target set at 193 runs, Dhoni, batting on 36 off 25 balls, took centre stage, determined to steer his team to victory. Facing the challenge head-on, Dhoni unleashed his trademark power and precision against Irfan Pathan's bowling onslaught. A powerful drive to long-off for a boundary set the tone, followed by a well-run double, showcasing Dhoni's astute game awareness. As the tension mounted, Dhoni seized the moment, dispatching a towering six over long-on, sending the ball soaring high into the Dharamsala sky. With nerves of steel, he remained unfazed, unleashing another colossal six over long-on to seal the deal with two balls to spare.
