Opting to bat first against Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings made a commanding statement by posting a formidable total of 206/4 in their allotted 20 overs.
While skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube laid the foundation with explosive half-centuries, it was a classic MS Dhoni cameo that electrified the Wankhede Stadium, sending the decibel levels soaring.
Entering the crease with just four balls remaining in the innings after Daryl Mitchell’s dismissal to Hardik Pandya, the 42-year-old legend wasted no time. Hardik Pandya offered a delivery right in Dhoni’s wheelhouse, which he dispatched over long-on for a towering six, reminiscent of his iconic shot that sealed India’s World Cup victory in 2011.
Unperturbed, Hardik repeated the mistake with a similar length ball, met with the same disdainful treatment, albeit flatter and sweeter. Under immense pressure, Hardik delivered a full toss on the legs, which Dhoni effortlessly flicked into the crowd at square leg.
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MSD π€ Hat-trick of Sixes π€ Wankhede going berserk
Sit back & enjoy the LEGEND spreading joy & beyond π π
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On the fourth delivery, Dhoni swung hard again but was thwarted by the lack of pace, resulting in an under edge that trickled past the keeper for two more runs, taking his tally to 20 off just four balls. Twitter erupted in awe at the clinical display by the ‘Thala’, praising the veteran for evoking nostalgia with his vintage performance.
