Dhoni's Endgame - 5 Classic last over finishes in the IPL

Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab, IPL 2010

When Dhoni became Chennai's Thala !!

Saving the best for the last. The match that probably made Dhoni Chennai’s very own prodigal son. The scene was set amidst the picturesque Dharamshala stadium, as CSK were chasing 193 to secure a spot in the semis. A Raina special and a plucky innings from Badrinath later, CSK were still in a spot of bother with 42 runs required off the last 20 balls as Morkel joined Dhoni in the middle. After a couple of decent overs from VRV Singh and Rusty Theron, the equation came down to 16 runs of the last over with Dhoni on strike to Irfan Pathan.

This time, Dhoni was in a different kind of mood. He didn’t quite want to leave it till the absolute last. He was a man possessed towards the unilateral goal of taking his team to the qualifiers. Irfan Pathan tried his best, but when Dhoni’s on-song, nothing seems to work. A boundary, a couple, and two sixes later the match was sealed, and we got the iconic moment of Dhoni punching himself in the jaw, muttering to himself. A moment etched in IPL history, and in the hearts of CSK fans. Truly a special effort from the legend.