In 2010, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made history by winning their first Indian Premier League (IPL) title. They defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) in a closely-fought final match held in Chennai. CSK’s captain, MS Dhoni, played a pivotal role in leading the team to victory.

Suresh Raina’s explosive batting sets the stage for CSK

CSK posted a massive total of 168/5 in their innings, thanks to Suresh Raina’s brilliant knock of 57 runs off just 35 balls. Albie Morkel also contributed with a quickfire 15 off 6 balls. MI tried to chase down the target but fell short, managing 146/9 in their innings. Suresh Raina was awarded the Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.

CSK’s double triumph

This victory not only secured CSK’s first IPL title but also earned them qualification for the 2010 Champions League Twenty20 in South Africa. Led by MS Dhoni, CSK continued their dominance in the T20 format by winning both the IPL and CLT20 titles in the same year.

After that CSK won the championship in the IPL season of 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. Fans are expecting for this year also. 

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The win was celebrated by CSK fans, marking the beginning of their success story in the IPL. The team’s triumph continued in subsequent seasons, establishing them as one of the most successful franchises in IPL history.

In a thrilling encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Mumbai team faced a disheartening defeat against Chennai in the 2024 IPL season. Despite a strong start, Mumbai let the game slip away, a scenario that will haunt them for some time.

Rohit Sharma’s Innings Analysis

Rohit Sharma, who ended up scoring a century, faced criticism for possibly pacing his innings poorly. He took 61 balls to score his 105, significantly slowing down in the latter part of the innings. Rohit found it difficult to time the ball in the final few overs and faced only 20 balls in the last eight overs scoring 31 runs before which he had scored 71 off 43 balls. But he finished with a century in a losing cause, just the third time this has happened in the history of the Indian T20 League.

See Also: Chennai Super Kings beat Mumbai Indians by 20 runs; Points Table updated

Fan Reactions and Debates

Fans are split in their views on Rohit’s innings. While some hailed it as selfless, given his acceleration initially, others critiqued it as self-preservation as he slowed down significantly towards the end.

The debate intensifies as statistics draw a complex picture; Rohit’s initial strike rate was impressive, but his inability to maintain it has drawn criticism regarding his tactical approach to the chase.

Match Overview

Chennai, batting first, managed to put up a formidable total of 206/4. The innings was marked by explosive batting, particularly in the last five overs, which added an unexpected 60 runs to the scoreboard, defying Mumbai’s earlier bowling successes.

Chasing 207, Mumbai started off with a bang, thanks to Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan, who put up a 70-run stand. However, the game took a turn when Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav fell quickly, leading to a dramatic slowdown.

The double strike in the eighth over was the beginning of the collapse, with Mumbai suddenly losing their momentum and struggling to keep up with the climbing run rate.

In the electrifying atmosphere of Wankhede Stadium, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) showcased strategic brilliance and execution to halt the resurgent Mumbai Indians (MI), securing a 20-run victory in the 29th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

Match Overview: CSK vs MI, IPL 2024

Defending a competitive total of 206/4, Chennai managed to restrict Mumbai to 186/6. Despite an explosive start by MI, CSK’s bowlers pulled back brilliantly, with young Matheesha Pathirana making a significant impact.

See Also: IPL 2024: Pathirana powers CSK over MI at Wankhede

Mumbai Indians were off to a flying start, thanks to Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan, who brought up 50 runs in just five overs. This initial burst set a strong foundation, which was anticipated to steer MI towards an easy win.

Turning Point: Pathirana’s Key Overs

The game saw a dramatic turn when Pathirana took the ball. Dismissing Kishan and then Suryakumar Yadav in quick succession, he drastically shifted the momentum in favor of CSK. Matheesha Pathirana gave the hosts an almighty jolt. The Sri Lankan pacer dismissed Ishan Kishan in his first delivery, before sending Suryakumar Yadav back on a duck in his third.

Alongside Tilak Varma, Sharma built a 60-run third-wicket stand, but Pathirana delivered a thunderbolt for the third time in this match. Varma could not capitalise on the start he got off to, as he was dismissed when batting on 31.

Re-introduced in the bowling attack on the 17th over, Mustafizur Rahman dismissed Tim David, albeit he also conceded 19 runs in that over. Requiring 53 runs from the last three overs, Mumbai needed to go all guns blazing in the 18th over, albeit Pathirana had other plans. The 21-year-old completed a four-fer by dismissing Romario Shepherd, and conceded just six runs.

Rohit Sharma completed his century in the last over, and remained unbeaten on a 63-ball 105, albeit in ended in a winning cause as Mumbai could only reach 186/6.

CSK’s Batting Highlights: Gaikwad and Dube’s Partnership

Earlier, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube had set the stage with their crucial innings. Gaikwad’s 69 off 40 balls, coupled with Dube’s unbeaten 66, propelled CSK to a formidable total.

CSK could still manage only 48/1 in the Power-play. However, with both Gaikwad and Ravindra helping themselves to a four each off Akash Madhwal and the New Zealand opener carting Shreyas Gopal for a six with a clean swing over long-on, they completed fifty of their partnership for the second wicket off 36 balls.

Dube, who started with three fours off Pandya, slapped and pulled Romario Shepherd for two boundaries and then in the 14th over, Shepherd for back-to-back sixes, two superb efforts that were followed by a boundary off a short ball past the deep midwicket which left the fans delirious in the stands. Gaikwad then scythed a low full toss off his wrists for another boundary as the over cost Mumbai Indians 22 runs. Dube bought fifty off 28 balls.

Daryl Mitchell was out for 17 off 14 but Mahendra Singh Dhoni hammered Pandya for a hat-trick of sixes in the final over that cost 26 runs as CSK posted a par score of 206/4 in 20 overs. Shivam Dube remained unbeaten on 66 off 36 balls while Dhoni finished on 20 not out off four deliveries as CSK set Mumbai Indians a target of 207.

IPL Points Table 2024

The cricket match between two powerhouse teams provided an electrifying display of skill, strategy, and suspense. As Pathirana’s deliveries caused mayhem, the game shifted momentum numerous times, culminating in a nail-biting finish.

Chennai Super Kings outplayed Mumbai Indians by 20 runs at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Despite Rohit Sharma’s impressive 105, Mumbai fell short of their 207-run target, finishing at 186/6. Matheesha Pathirana starred for Chennai, claiming four wickets.

See Also: Watch: Vintage Thala at Wankhede against MI

Early Game Dynamics: Setting the Stage

Ishan Kishan kick started the innings with a quick 23 off 15 balls, but his aggressive play led to an early departure as he was caught by Thakur off Pathirana. This early wicket set the stage for what was to become a dramatic innings. Immediately following, Suryakumar Yadav, walked in at No.3, only to be dismissed for a duck, further amplifying the pressure on the batting side.

Tilak Varma’s Crucial Knocks

Young Tilak Varma stepped up under pressure, striking a fluent 31 from 20 deliveries. His innings included some breathtaking shots, including a boundary through covers and a drilled four through midwicket. His performance brought some stability and much-needed runs to the scoreboard.

Pathirana’s Game-Changing Overs

Pathirana emerged as the key bowler, clinching crucial wickets at pivotal moments. His deliveries were a blend of tactical genius and execution, which saw the back of both opening and middle-order bats. Each wicket he took shifted the game’s momentum, keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats.

End Game Thrills: A Captain’s Knock

The final overs were a roller-coaster as Rohit Sharma turned the heat up, smashing boundaries to bring up his century in style. His well-timed shots not only entertained the crowd but also steered his team towards a formidable total. The match concluded with CSK securing a 20-run victory, thanks in large part to Rohit’s heroics.

In a thrilling IPL 2024 match at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, MS Dhoni’s electrifying entrance and explosive batting significantly propelled Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to a formidable total.

MS Dhoni’s Iconic Entrance

As MS Dhoni made his way to the crease, the Wankhede Stadium erupted in deafening cheers, a testament to his enduring popularity and the high expectations from his fans. At a critical juncture of the game, with CSK needing a strong finish, Dhoni’s presence was a psychological boost for his team.

See Also: Hardik breaks crucial 90 runs partnership of Gaikwad-Shivam

Three in three for MSD! Slower length ball gets Dhoni’s inside edge, just a couple. CSK finishes on 206 with that late flourish. Dhoni scored 20 runs off four balls. MS Dhoni became the second batter to complete 5000 runs for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) during the IPL 2024 game against the Mumbai Indians at the Wakhede Stadium on Sunday.

Dhoni’s Explosive Performance

MS Dhoni faced Hardik Pandya in the 20th over with CSK’s score hovering around 180. What followed was a breathtaking display of power-hitting, as Dhoni unleashed three consecutive sixes, each showcasing his skill and timing. These sixes were not just about brute force; they were strategic, exploiting the gaps and weaknesses in the opposition’s field setting.

With this match, Dhoni surpassed 5000 runs for CSK, cementing his legacy as one of the franchise’s greatest players. This milestone added an extra layer of significance to his performance, marking it as a historical moment in IPL history.

Dhoni batting in the 20th over in the IPL
Runs: 756
Balls: 309
SR: 244.66
4s/6s: 51/64

This season: 41 off 12, two fours, five sixes (SR: 341.66)

Dhoni is unbeaten in IPL 2024 so far.

Dhoni vs Hardik in the IPL
Before today: 22 off 27, one dismissal, (SR: 81.48)
Today: 20 off 4 (SR: 500)

Impact on Team Total

These crucial moments took CSK’s score past the 200-run mark, setting a daunting target of 206 for Mumbai Indians. Dhoni’s cameo of 20 runs off just 4 balls highlighted his ability to perform under pressure and significantly impacted the momentum of the game.

This performance has not only reaffirmed Dhoni’s critical role in CSK but also hinted at his continuing importance in the team’s strategy for the rest of the IPL 2024 season. As teams prepare to face CSK, they will undoubtedly have to rethink their approach to bowling to Dhoni.

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and chose to bat first. Chennai Super Kings chose to send out Ajinkya Rahane as Rachin Ravindra’s opening partner as opposed to captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. The experiment failed though, with Rahane falling in the second over. However, Gaikwad and Ravindra have then given CSK a steady start after that.  In a riveting showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the ongoing cricket match saw some spectacular performances that highlighted the session.

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Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Innings

Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been in fine form this season, played what could be his best knock so far. Scoring 69 off 40 balls, Gaikwad’s innings included five boundaries and an equal number of sixes, displaying a perfect blend of aggression and control.

Fastest to 2,000 IPL runs (by innings taken)
48 – Chris Gayle
52 – Shaun Marsh
57 – Ruturaj Gaikwad
60 – KL Rahul
63 – Sachin Tendulkar

Shivam Dube’s Aggressive Batting

Shivam Dube’s approach was clear from the start – attack. His array of shots, especially the boundaries off Shepherd and Madhwal, were crucial in keeping the scoreboard ticking. Dube’s fearless batting not only entertained the crowd but also put the opposing bowlers under pressure. Shivam is still playing on 62 off 32 balls.

Hardik Pandya’s Bowling

Hardik Pandya, known for his knack for breaking partnerships, did not disappoint. His delivery to Ruturaj Gaikwad was a masterpiece of pacing and placement, leading to a crucial wicket at a critical time in the game. This over not only showcased Hardik’s skill but also shifted the momentum of the game.

Mohammad Nabi’s catch to dismiss Gaikwad was a game-changer. Nabi, positioned at long-on, made a challenging run to secure a catch that looked like it might just elude him. This moment was pivotal and showcased the importance of fielding in modern cricket.

Cheteshwar Pujara‘s social media post set off a frenzy among Chennai Super Kings (CSK) supporters just hours before their highly anticipated IPL 2024 match against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium. The post quickly went viral on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), sparking speculation among fans about his potential return to the franchise after three years.

Cheteshwar Pujara shares on X

As CSK gears up for their fifth match of the season against the five-time champions Mumbai Indians, the excitement among fans is palpable. While Mumbai Indians have a strong record at home, winning their last two matches after a series of initial losses, Chennai Super Kings are yet to secure a victory away from their home ground, having lost both their previous matches outside Chepauk.

In the history of T20 cricket, CSK has a 17-21 head-to-head record against their arch-rivals Mumbai Indians. At Wankhede Stadium, CSK has a win-loss record of 4-7 against Mumbai. Although CSK lost two of their last three matches at the venue, they emerged victorious in the 2023 encounter.

Pujara’s tweet before the crucial clash ignited speculation among fans about his potential return to CSK after last playing for the franchise in 2021. While some fans eagerly welcomed the star Indian batter back to the team, others expressed concern about CSK’s strategy. Interestingly, some fans noted a subtle twist in Pujara’s tweet – it featured “#SupperKings” instead of “Super Kings,” suggesting a possible promotional activity within the CSK camp or a different venture altogether.

See Also: IPL 2024: Shikhar Dhawan is out from PBKS for 7 days; Here is why!

Pujara’s tweet sparks buzz among CSK fans

Pujara, who has played for four different IPL franchises, has scored 390 runs in 30 matches, with a single half-century to his name. However, his last IPL appearance was in 2014 for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). Although he was part of CSK in 2021, Pujara did not feature in the starting XI during that season.

In what could be his final match at the famous Wankhede Stadium, cricket fans are eagerly awaiting the appearance of the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), will clash with the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) today.

Dhoni returns to Wankhede

It’s a significant moment as Dhoni, donning the iconic yellow jersey of CSK, steps onto the Wankhede pitch without the burden of captaincy for the first time. This match might signal the end of an era for Dhoni in the IPL.

With both teams holding five IPL titles each, the rivalry between CSK and MI is fierce and enduring. However, this time, there’s a twist as both teams have undergone leadership changes. Hardik Pandya now leads MI, while Ruturaj Gaikwad has taken over the reins from Dhoni at CSK.

In the highly anticipated clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), all eyes are on Mahendra Singh Dhoni as he inches closer to a significant milestone. Just 25 runs away from becoming the leading run-scorer in the CSK vs MI rivalry in IPL history, Dhoni’s bat holds the potential to rewrite the record books. As the iconic cricketer steps onto the field, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing history in the making.

CSK vs MI rivalry intensifies

The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with CSK’s bowlers facing a tough challenge against MI’s formidable batting lineup. MI’s batters have been in exceptional form, posting massive scores, including a stunning 230 against Delhi Capitals and a near-200 chase against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

MI, after a shaky start, seems to have found their groove, with players like Suryakumar Yadav delivering blistering performances. For CSK’s bowling unit, accustomed to slower, spin-friendly tracks, adapting to the flat, high-scoring surfaces at Wankhede will be a test.

See Also: Rajasthan Royals beat Punjab Kings by 3 wickets; Points Table updated

But amidst all the excitement and anticipation, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Dhoni. As one of the most iconic figures in cricket history, his every move on the field will be watched closely by fans and pundits alike. It’s a moment to cherish and possibly bid farewell to a legend in the making.

The anticipation was palpable as Chennai Super Kings‘ (CSK) legend, MS Dhoni, graced the field for a practice session ahead of their clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on April 5.

MS Dhoni’s Thunderous Reception

Dhoni, affectionately known as “Captain Cool,” was greeted with thunderous applause from fans as he stepped onto the field. The atmosphere was electric as supporters cheered for their cricketing icon, acknowledging his unparalleled contribution to Indian cricket over the years.

Dhoni’s Recent Performances

The buzz around MS Dhoni isn’t just for his past glories but also for his recent performances on the cricket field. In a recent match against Delhi Capitals, Dhoni showcased his batting prowess with a blistering 16-ball 37*. He once again captivated the crowd with his explosive strokeplay and trademark finishing skills.

Transition in CSK Leadership

Amidst speculations of his retirement, MS Dhoni made headlines by relinquishing his leadership role in CSK in favor of the young and talented Ruturaj Gaikwad. Despite stepping down as captain, Dhoni continues to lead by example, delivering match-winning performances when it matters the most.

CSK’s IPL 2024 Performance

CSK started their IPL 2024 campaign on a high note, securing convincing victories against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Gujarat Titans. However, their momentum was halted by Delhi Capitals, posing a formidable challenge to the seasoned CSK squad.

Match Against SRH

Currently positioned at number three on the IPL 2024 points table, CSK is gearing up for a crucial encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad. With MS Dhoni’s leadership and experience guiding the team. CSK aims to bounce back from their recent setback and continue their quest for IPL glory.

The 18th match of the IPL 2024 season will be played between Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad won the toss and opted to bowl first.

Playing XIs:

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Abhishek Sharma, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen(w), Abdul Samad, Nitish Reddy, Shahbaz Ahmed, Pat Cummins(c), Jaydev Unadkat, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mayank Markande, T Natarajan

Sunrisers Hyderabad Subs: Travis Head, Umran Malik, Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tripathi

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana

Chennai Super Kings Subs: Shardul Thakur, Shaik Rasheed, Mitchell Santner, Sameer Rizvi, Mukesh Choudhary

49th Match, IPL: Chennai Super Kings 140 for 4 (Conway 44, Gaikwad 30, Chawla 2-25) beat Mumbai Indians 139 for 8 (Wadhera 64, Suryakumar 26, Matheesha Pathirana 3-15) by six wickets

Matheesha Pathirana, Deepak Chahar, and Tushar Deshpande, Chennai Super Kings’ pace trio, combined to take seven wickets and keep Mumbai Indians to 139 on a pitch where the ball was stopping. Super Rulers never searched in inconvenience during the pursuit at Chepauk, where Ruturaj Gaikwad’s fast appearance in the initial four overs set them up for the six-wicket win.

Mumbai was 14 for 3 when Chahar struck twice in the third over; Pathirana put the brakes on in the death overs, despite the fact that Nehal Wadhera and Suryakumar Yadav contributed 55 runs to stage a recovery. Wadhera’s first T20 fifty turned out to be a solitary effort, and Mumbai only managed 17 runs in the final three overs while losing four wickets.

Despite the fact that third-place Lucknow Super Giants have an extra game in hand, the victory propels Super Kings to second place on the points table. In contrast, Mumbai remains in sixth place.

Matheesha Pathirana, middle- and death-overs specialist

In the seven matches this season, Pathirana has only been used before the eleventh over twice. For anybody to have bowled somewhere around 120 balls in that period, he has the best economy rate and normal during that stage.

Wadhera and Suryakumar had given Mumbai hope of a respectable total on Saturday, so he was brought on in the 13th over. Pathirana’s initial two overs went for just eight off the bat, and MS Dhoni saved his leftover overs for the demise. He came back to start the 18th over after the previous two overs were taken for 29 and he only scored two runs other than bowling Wadhera. He fired a yorker at middle stump at 145 kilometers per hour after seeing the batter make room.

Pathirana varied his speeds and lengths equally. That – joined with the two-paced nature of the pitch – could have been the reason Tristan Stubbs battled for timing, ultimately cutting to cover-point on being fixed by a slower ball. Pathirana finished with 3 runs for 15 runs, all of which came in the final overs. He continued to build on his reputation as the season’s best death bowler by bowling at least 60 balls in that phase.

Wadhera propels Mumbai to 139

With Tilak Varma out harmed for this game, Mumbai were feeling the loss of a strong center request hitter. Furthermore, compelled to modify after the top-request disappointment, Wadhera opened up after the powerplay when he delicately sliced Ravindra Jadeja for four to profound in reverse point, and afterward penetrated Moeen Ali to profound additional cover.

When Wadhera got some force, he looked sure to the point of continuing to go after turn: In the 11th over, Jadeja was slog-swept over short fine leg, but in the 14th over, he beat short fine leg with a second sweep off Maheesh Theekshana. He also sent Theekshana over long-on in the final five overs to make the first six of the innings.

Wadhera’s fifty took 46 deliveries when it was brought up in the seventeenth over, after which he cleared, pulled and scooped Jadeja for fours, despite the fact that his thump of 64 didn’t demonstrate enough.

Gaikwad starts in a hurry, Dube finishes in style

In the first four overs, Super Kings scored 46 runs, while Gaikwad scored 30. That included four fours and two sixes as he helped Devon Conway and the Super Kings get the chase going. Cameron Green hit a drive and a flick for four in the first over, and in the third, he turned the screw.

Mumbai presented left-arm seamer Arshad Khan, and Gaikwad went 6, 4, 4, 6: a swivel-pull over long leg, a pull over midwicket, a guide behind point, a punch past the bowler, and a pull over midwicket. Gaikwad was excused off the main bundle of the fifth over by Piyush Chawla, who again ended up being the champion entertainer with the ball for Mumbai.

Ajinkya Rahane hit Chawla for a four and a six, but in the ninth over, Chawla got the last laugh when he got a googly on the Super Kings batter. That occurred after defeating Gaikwad earlier using the leg spinner. In his four overs, Chawla only got 25 runs, and he was out in 11 overs.

Shivam Dube built on the foundation that Gaikwad had laid shortly after, and he provided the final push. Two sixes off debutant left-arm wrist spinner Raghav Goyal in the fourteenth over and one swung off Arshad Khan to Mumbai’s burrow two balls before the triumphant run took Super Rulers to an agreeable success after they had lost two and had a game cleaned out not long previously.