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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has always been a powerful figure on and off the field, and the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) offered multiple examples of the same.
Although the Men in Yellow failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in their history and MS Dhoni himself didn't treat us to one of his vintage knocks, there were a lot of eye-catching moments in IPL 2020. Ever the entertainer, the 39-year-old was witty as ever in press conferences, sometimes even divisive with his statements and actions on the field.
Here are 5 times MS Dhoni broke social media in IPL 2020.
#5 MS Dhoni comes in to bat at No. 7 against RR
In one of CSK's first games of IPL 2020, they were tasked with chasing a daunting 217 against the Rajasthan Royals. Although the target was on the higher side, the short boundaries in Sharjah and CSK's expertise with run-chases ensured that they were far from ruled out.
But things didn't go to plan for CSK, who were struggling at 77/3 in the 9th over. Fans expected the team's captain to come in at least at No. 5, but Kedar Jadhav and Ruturaj Gaikwad - both of whom failed - were sent in. MS Dhoni walked in as low as No. 7, and the move draw criticism from all corners of social media.
Speaking after the match, MS Dhoni said -
"I haven’t batted for a long time. 14-day quarantine doesn’t help (why he isn’t batting higher). Also wanted to try different things, give opportunities to Sam. Have the opportunity to try different things. If it doesn’t work, you can always go back to your strengths."
CSK ended up on the losing side, but the game was memorable for another reason:
#4 MS Dhoni smashes Tom Curran for 3 sixes in a row
While one section of social media lambasted MS Dhoni for 'not leading from the front', the other chose to look at the positive side of things. The former Indian skipper is known for his prowess in the last over of the innings, and the same came to the fore against RR although the game as a contest was already over.
With 38 runs needed off the last 6 balls and himself on 9 off 12 balls, MS Dhoni gave CSK fans something to cheer about by hitting Tom Curran for three consecutive sixes. Interestingly, the CSK captain's effort also tied the record for the most sixes in an IPL game.
Click here to see IPL 2020 points table.
CSK fell short by 16 runs, but MS Dhoni saved the net run rate from a hammering at the very least. Unfortunately, that wouldn't matter in the larger scheme of things for the team in IPL 2020.
#3 MS Dhoni 'coerces' the umpire out of giving a wide
In what was a crucial game for both sides, CSK and SRH were locked in intense battle in the 19th over. Although the Orange Army had lost Kane Williamson with Rashid Khan being their only hope, they were well in the game.
The second legal ball of the penultimate over, which was bowled by Shardul Thakur, was just outside the wide tramline. MS Dhoni collected the ball, and in the heat of the moment, made an exasperated gesture just as umpire Paul Reiffel was about to call a wide.
The umpire bizarrely changed his decision midway, and turned back without fully extending his arms.
CSK eventually won the match by a comfortable margin, with Dwayne Bravo bowling an excellent final over against SRH's tail-enders.
#2 MS Dhoni claims that there was no spark from the youngsters
In a post-match interview after CSK's loss to RR, captain MS Dhoni was asked about his decision to drop the youngsters - Ruturaj Gaikwad and N Jagadeesan - after just a couple of chances.
"It's fair enough [the criticism for not playing youngsters], this season we weren't there. Maybe we didn't see as much spark from some of our youngsters. Maybe going forward we bring them in and they play without pressure," MS Dhoni replied.
This statement was criticised on end by fans across the world. Gaikwad had gone through a tough period after contracting COVID-19 and was offered only a couple of opportunities, while his replacement Kedar Jadhav was far from successful. Even Jagadeesan had scored a promising 30+ score on his IPL debut, playing a switch-hit against Yuzvendra Chahal and showing intent throughout.
However, MS Dhoni gave the young players chances in the last few games. Although the Tamil Nadu wicket-keeper didn't get too much time in the middle, Gaikwad made the most of being promoted to open the innings by notching up fifties in all of CSK's last three games.
#1 MS Dhoni confirms that he will play for CSK in the next IPL
Ahead of CSK's final IPL 2020 game against KXIP, Danny Morrison asked MS Dhoni at the toss if it was meant to be his final game in yellow. The CSK skipper emphatically replied with 'Definitely Not!', putting to rest any speculation surrounding his future with the team.
Social media immediately erupted after the incident, with MS Dhoni's two-word reply trending within a matter of minutes. It remains to be seen what the 39-year-old's plans for his team are ahead of the next IPL, which is mere months away.
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