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Chennai Super Kings (CSK), led by MS Dhoni, secured their place in the IPL 2023 Playoffs with a commanding 77-run victory over Delhi Capitals on Saturday, May 20.
This marks CSK's 12th qualification to the playoffs out of 14 years of participation, solidifying their position as the team with the highest number of playoff appearances in the history of the IPL.
Following closely behind are Mumbai Indians, who have qualified for the playoffs 10 times in 16 editions, currently holding the second spot on the list.
MS Dhoni has been an instrumental figure for CSK and he has often stepped up for the side when the going gets tough.
Here we take a look at MS Dhoni's top 3 knocks in IPL playoffs:
#3 29 (19) vs RCB, 2011
This was the first Qualifier between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. MS Dhoni won the toss and elected to field first. Virat Kohli led the charge for RCB and courtesy his 70 off 44 deliveries, RCB posted 175 for four in their 20 overs. Kohli received some help from Mayank Agarwal and Luke Pomersbach.
Chasing this total, CSK got off to a disastrous start as they lost both their openers for just seven runs. Suresh Raina, however, stepped up and launched a stunning counter-attack. He received good support from S Badrinath and then MS Dhoni.
Raina remained unbeaten on 73 off 50 balls, but Dhoni powered CSK along in the chase with a sterling innings of 29 runs off 19 deliveries. In the end, Chennai won this match with six wickets and two balls to spare.
#2 63 (45) vs MI, 2013
This was the year when Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians clinched their first IPL title. Batting first, Mumbai did not get off to a good start as they were reduced to 16 for three. However, Kieron Pollard took charge of the innings and stayed out till the end for a superb finish. He remained unbeaten on 60 off 32 deliveries as Mumbai recovered to post 148.
Chennai too did not get off to a bright start and were rocked early by Mitchell Johnson. At one stage, CSK was reduced 39 for six, but MS Dhoni was not in any mood to throw in the towel.
He kept a flicker of hope as he kept CSK’s hopes alive. The target was also well within the reach and Dhoni stayed unbeaten on 63 off 45 deliveries.
#1 51 (20) vs MI, 2012
Chennai took on Mumbai Indians in the eliminator back in 2012 in Bengaluru. Batting first, CSK lost Suresh Raina for the score of 2. Michael Hussey and S Badrinath stabilised the ship and put on a good partnership worth 93 runs.
The stage was set for the finisher to take over and Dhoni did not disappoint. He walked in, smashed two sixes and six fours and ended unbeaten on 51 off 20 deliveries to power CSK to 187 for five at the end of their 20 overs.
Mumbai Indians could never got going in the chase and fell short of the target. Only Dwayne Smith managed to cross 20 as CSK won the match by 38 runs.
