Ahmedabad, India
India and CSK legend MS Dhoni continues to make merry with his sublime form this season, as he smashed a few sixes during Chennai Super Kings’ away match against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024. Not only did he excite the Ahmedabad crowd in attendance with his single-handed sixes, but Dhoni won hearts of netizens with his sweet gesture by hugging the pitch invader who breached the security and rushed to the ground to touch his feet.
During CSK’s final over while chasing, by then they had already lost the match, a fan rushed towards Dhoni to bow down to the cricket great. Dhoni met the fan nicely, hugging and chatting with him before the security took him away. Although CSK fans were heartbroken over the side’s sixth loss this season, they celebrated Dhoni’s gesture towards the pitch invader.
Watch Video –
A fan breached security to meet Dhoni and then Dhoni gave him a hug ❤️
- Most humble celebrity in India . pic.twitter.com/sDLNG1iG0s
— MAHIYANK™ (@Mahiyank_78) May 10, 2024
Meanwhile, Dhoni walked out to bat during the 18th over following Ravindra Jadeja’s wicket. Unlike how he started by whacking the first ball for a boundary in his previous outings, Dhoni began slowly but picked up the pace in the next over, hitting Mohit Sharma for a one-handed six. In the final over against Rashid Khan, Dhoni hit two consecutive sixes on the first two balls, including his signature helicopter shot over deep mid-wicket.
The Helicopter Shot ?
A maximum from #CSK's Number 7️⃣?
Watch the match LIVE on @StarSportsIndia and @JioCinema ??#TATAIPL | #GTvCSK pic.twitter.com/2QAN3jPjTb
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 10, 2024
Dhoni remained unbeaten on 26 off 11 balls, including three sixes and a four, but CSK lost to GT by 35 runs.
CSK in line for playoff spot
Dhoni’s strike rate this season (226.67) is among the top three, but under new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, the team hasn’t punched their playoff ticket yet. With six wins and as many losses, CSK sits in the fourth position on the points table with 12 points and needs to win their remaining two matches to ensure they stay in the top four.
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While their next match is against table-toppers Rajasthan Royals at home on Sunday (May 12), CSK will travel to Bengaluru for the marquee clash against the hosts RCB on Saturday (May 18).
Meanwhile, considering Dhoni’s stance on his injury and IPL future, given his fitness and age, the legendary keeper-batter is unlikely to continue beyond this season as a cricketer.