MS Dhoni, the name synonymous with calmness under pressure and clutch finishes, once again proved his legendary status in the high-octane clash against Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2024. Beyond his awe-inspiring last-over six-hitting frenzy, the match served as a reminder of Dhoni’s remarkable achievements as a leader and one of the best wicket-keeper batsmen the game has ever seen. Let’s delve into the seven phenomenal records Dhoni holds in the IPL that solidify his legacy as a cricket giant:
- Joint Most IPL Trophies Won as Captain (5): Dhoni stands tall as one of the most successful IPL captains, having led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to a record-equaling five IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023). This accomplishment reflects his exceptional leadership skills, ability to build strong teams, and strategic prowess under pressure.
- Most Runs as Keeper (5016): Dhoni reigns supreme as the leading run scorer among wicket-keepers in the IPL. With over 5000 runs to his name (as of April 15, 2024), his contributions extend beyond just keeping wickets. His explosive batting, particularly in the death overs, has turned the tide of numerous matches for CSK.
- Most Dismissals Behind the Stumps (184): Dhoni’s lightning-fast reflexes and exceptional wicket-keeping skills are unparalleled. His record of 184 dismissals (catches + stumpings) behind the stumps speaks volumes for his agility and game awareness. He has been instrumental in dismissing some of the biggest names in cricket, contributing significantly to CSK’s victories.
- Most Appearances (256): Dhoni boasts the record for the most appearances in the IPL, having played a staggering 256 matches as of today. This incredible feat showcases his dedication to the game, his fitness level, and his enduring passion for cricket.
- Only Captain with a Century of Victories (133): Dhoni stands alone as the only captain in IPL history to have achieved a century of victories (133). This record highlights his remarkable leadership qualities and his ability to consistently guide his team to success.
- Most Finals Played (11): Dhoni has captained CSK to a record-breaking 11 IPL finals, the most by any captain in the tournament’s history. This statistic underscores his ability to lead his team through challenging situations and navigate them towards the biggest stage.
- MI vs CSK – Dhoni Hits 6,6,6: This incredible feat on April 14 in MI vs CSK cemented Dhoni’s place in IPL history as only the third player to hit the first three balls of their innings for sixes!
MS DHONI: Beyond the Numbers
While these records are a testament to Dhoni’s exceptional skills and achievements, they only paint part of the picture. His calmness under pressure, his ability to inspire his teammates, and his strategic cricketing mind are qualities that truly set him apart. The recent six-hitting frenzy against MI is just another example of his unwavering determination and his ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.