Image Source: PTI
[Saba Sports News] MS Dhoni has often delighted his fans when he takes to the crease in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, during Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Dharamsala, things didn’t go quite as expected. Dhoni, who typically bats in the lower order this season, walked out unusually late at No.9 in the 19th over with CSK’s score at 150/7. Harshal Patel, having just dismissed Shardul Thakur with a slow yorker, replicated the delivery to Dhoni, resulting in the former CSK captain’s stumps being shattered for a golden duck.
The entire episode, from Dhoni’s unexpected batting position to his swift dismissal, has sparked a flurry of memes online. Despite CSK’s relatively low total of 167/9, Punjab Kings failed to mount a significant chase. Tushar Deshpande’s double strike in the second over restricted their momentum, leaving PBKS at 47/2 after the powerplay. Dhoni achieved a milestone by becoming the first player to take 150 catches in the IPL, with Ravindra Jadeja dismissing Jitesh Sharma for a golden duck. Jadeja’s impressive bowling performance, claiming the wickets of PBKS opener Prabhsimran Singh and captain Sam Curran, contributed to PBKS being restricted to 139/9, leading to CSK’s victory by 28 runs.