The TATA IPL 2022 will begin tomorrow. MS Dhoni dropped bombshell-like news on the Chennai Super Kings about leaving captaincy. The captaincy was handed over to Ravindra Jadeja. Ravindra Jadeja is the correct fit for the job as he is in his prime. However, over the years, MSD has left a legacy behind him. Ravindra Jadeja has very large shoes to fill in IPL 2022. So, which are the top 5 moments of MS Dhoni as captain of the Chennai Super Kings? Here’s a look:
2011: Chennai Super Kings win the 2nd IPL Trophy Before TATA IPL 2022:
The second trophy was always going to come towards CSK. The team had qualified for the playoffs in almost every season. In the year 2011, MS Dhoni groomed a young player named Ravichandran Ashwin. This young player is now the second most-successful bowler for India in test cricket. The final was between CSK and RCB. Murali Vijay tonked the RCB bowlers and took the men in yellow to a 200+ total in the first innings. But RCB had the presence of the Gayle Storm, which could strike anytime. MSD pulled out his trump card in the very first over. Ravichandran Ashwin it was. He took the wicket of the very dangerous Chris Gayle and the rest is history.
2010: Chennai Super Kings win the IPL for the First Time Before TATA IPL 2022:
The Chennai Super Kings won the IPL for the first time in 2010. The final was played against the Mumbai Indians. The Mumbai team had a star-studded lineup with the likes of Harbhajan Singh, Sachin Tendulkar, Kieron Pollard, Ambati Rayudu, and an in-form Saurabh Tiwary. The qualification of the team in that season itself was very dramatic. The Chennai team was on a losing streak before they took matters seriously and won the tournament eventually. This team featured MSD, Bravo, Matthew Hayden, and Albie Morkel. The “Dhoni Moment” came when Pollard was caught out by Matthew Hayden who was placed there specifically because Pollard strikes the ball there.
2010: MS Dhoni Makes Sure That CSK Qualify to IPL Playoffs:
One can never forget MS Dhoni hitting Irfan Pathan for sealing the victory in the do-or-die match played at Mohali in 2010. The game was between Kings XI Punjab and the Chennai Super Kings. This is the only game where the calm-headed MSD looked animated after winning the game. Fans will never forget MSD fist-pumping his helmet in excitement. MSD scored 54 in 29 balls with 5 fours and 2 sixes. The entire stadium was lit up when MS Dhoni finished things off in style.
2018: Chennai Super Kings win the 3rd Trophy, First Trophy after Comeback:
Chennai Super Kings were suspended from the IPL for two years due to match-fixing allegations. The Super Kings then made a comeback in the year 2018. The first game was a thriller against the Mumbai Indians. Chennai eventually went on to win the league. A teary-eyed MS Dhoni was seen at the jersey launching ceremony. This incident speaks volumes about the relationship that MSD has with the franchise. MS Dhoni groomed another sensation, Deepak Chahar in that season. Shardul Thakur was also in the mix. MS Dhoni revived the career of Ambati Rayudu by promoting him up the order. Ambati made a national team comeback in the following year.
Honorable Mentions:
- MS Dhoni Walks on to the Field to Speak to the Umpire in IPL 2020 Against Rajasthan Royals.
- CSK win the Champions League T20 in 2010.
- CSK win the Champions League T20 in 2014.
2021: Chennai Super Kings win 4th Trophy, unexpectedly before TATA IPL 2022:
The last iconic moment of MS Dhoni’s career was when he won the 4th IPL trophy for the Chennai Super Kings. The men in yellow were blown away in IPL 202. They had their worst-ever season that year. Someone had to retribute and bring the team together. Every cricket analyst had given no chance to the CSK Team in IPL 2021. But MS Dhoni believed. They were called an “Army of Dads” playing cricket. But MS Dhoni proved that the team is much more than just an Army of Dads. He managed the players very well. He made effective use of all the players available. Robin Uthappa fired when it mattered. Jadeja played well in the big games. Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, and DJ Bravo did their job amazingly well.
To know more go to the official page of the BCCI.
To know more go to the official page of the Chennai Super Kings.