MS Dhoni: From first IPL win to roaring comeback in 2018, a look at CSK captain's top IPL moments

Since MS Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020, Indian Premier League (IPL) remains the only tournament to see him in action. Every year fans eagerly wait for IPL to see him lead Chennai Super Kings (CSK) once gain and with a new season of the cash-rich T20 round the corner, the excitement remains the same. Dhoni will feature in the upcoming campaign as joint-most successful captain after CSK claimed their fifth title last year. As fans await Dhoni’s appearance one more time this season, let us take a look at top moments of his illustrious IPL career:

A picture-perfect moment with Ravindra Jadeja  

Ravindra Jadeja unleashed his inner beast in the 2023 IPL final. He struck a six and a four when CSK needed 10 runs off the last two deliveries against Gujarat Titans. Dhoni lifted Jadeja onto his lap after the latter’s heroic performance in the final. The picture got etched in the memories of the cricket fans. The moment turned out to be an epic one as it brought an end to a rumoured rift between the Chennai-based franchise and Jadeja.

More from First Cricket News

BCCI defends decision to play vs Pakistan in Asia Cup months after Pahalgam attack: 'If we boycott...' 'Indian players share compassion and feeling of majority Indian public': Ten Doeschate on IND vs PAK clash

First IPL title

Before MS Dhoni led CSK to secure their maiden IPL title in 2010, no Indian captain could achieve the feat in the franchise competition. It was, however, just the beginning for Dhoni, who went on to replicate the success in four more seasons. He now jointly holds the record for winning the most number of IPL trophies along with former Mumbai Indian skipper Rohit Sharma.

First captain to defend the championship

Fresh off the historic ODI World Cup triumph, MS Dhoni became the first IPL captain to retain the title in 2011 with CSK. They put up a dominant performance during the group stage and beat Royal Challengers Bangalore in both knockout games. CSK won Qualifier 1 by six wickets before registering a 58-run win in the final.

Impact Shorts

More Shorts

'Won't require surgery...': Real reason behind Jasprit Bumrah's absence from 5th Test revealed in new report

PCB bans players from WCL over India-Pakistan match controversy

Blistering half century against Mumbai Indians in 2012

CSK were eager to complete a hat-trick of IPL titles in 2012 when they had to overcome Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator. Dhoni, who came in to bat at number five, smashed a blazing 51 off just 20 deliveries. His devastating knock included a giant 112-metre six over James Franklin which is still regarded as one of the most powerful shots in IPL history. Powered by Dhoni’s contributions, CSK posted 187 runs on the board and ultimately won the match by 38 runs.

Comeback win in 2018

After serving a two-season ban, CSK scripted a roaring comeback in the 2018 season. The MS Dhoni-led side finished second in the league standings. They overcame table-toppers Sunrisers Hyderabad in the first qualifier and met the same opponents in the final. CSK looked more dominant in the summit showdown. They chased down a 179-run target, losing only two wickets.

An unbeaten 70 vs RCB in 2018

CSK faced a collapse in a crucial group-league game against RCB in 2018. Coming down to chase a 206-run target, CSK found themselves reeling at 74/4 when MS Dhoni joined hands with Ambati Rayudu to begin the rescue operation. The duo stitched a 100-plus stand that brought them back to the contest. Dhoni whacked seven monstrous sixes to score 70 off 34 balls. Riding on his unbeaten knock, CSK completed the chase in 19.4 overs.