MS Dhoni's Touching Act: Passes Match Ball to Young Fan After Sensational Innings

MS Dhoni hands the match ball to a young fan after CSK innings (Photo: JioCinema Screengrab)

MS Dhoni’s blistering cameo against Mumbai Indians on Sunday made fans ‘whistle podu’ at the Wankade stadium. The Indian legend smashed 20 runs off just four balls coming into the bat the final over – what was more impressive was he tonked MI skipper Hardik Pandya. A signature Dhoni finish, indeed.

But there was one more thing that made fans go ga ga. After the first innings came to an end, Dhoni came up with a moving gesture. While walking up the stairs to the dressing room, Dhoni spotted a young girl present in the stands. The World Cup-winning skipper picked up a ball from the stairs and gave it to the girl.

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The ‘El Clasico’ of IPL 2024 began with the Mumbai Indians winning the toss and electing to bowl first. Ajinkya Rahane and Rachin Ravindra began the proceedings for the defending champions at the Wankhede Stadium. The visitors failed to put up a solid opening stand as both the opening batters departed without doing anything impressive.

Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad played a captain’s knock as he scored 69 off 40 balls. Shivam Dube also contributed significantly scoring 66 (not out) off 38 balls. It was MS Dhoni, who produced a cameo, to help CSK cross the 200-run total. Dhoni’s blistering innings helped the reigning champions post a solid total of 206 runs losing four wickets.

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Following the game, Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad also praised MS Dhoni’s performance. “Our young wicketkeeper scoring three sixes down the order helped a lot and I think that was the difference,” Gaikwad said at the post-game presentation.

“To start off, on this kind of ground, you need 10-15 extra runs. We were looking at 215-220, but Bumrah bowled well. Jinks was carrying a bit of a niggle. So, thought it was better for him to open and get away quick runs. I’m fine batting anywhere,” he added.

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During the run chase, Rohit Sharma scored a century but it was not enough to earn a win for Mumbai Indians. Chennai Super Kings pacer Matheesha Pathirana scripted sensational figures of 4/28 in four overs to earn a resounding 20-run win for Chennai Super Kings.

“Bowling-wise, we were spot on with our execution. Even in the powerplay, I would have taken six overs for 60. These kinds of venues demand both skills, batting and bowling. Our Malinga bowled exceptionally well and nailed those Yorkers. Not to forget – even Tushar and Shardul bowled well. We encourage everyone to be in a good headspace,” Ruturaj Gaikwad said.

With four wins from six games, Chennai Super Kings now claim the third spot in the IPL 2024 standings. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians now find themselves at the eighth spot on the points table.