MS Dhoni has lifted the IPL trophy once again and with that CSK has become the most successful franchise in the tournament’s history leaving behind the likes of Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders. Dhoni was caught out for a golden duck in IPL 2023 finals but walked away with another trophy in his cabinet. The team that he has built for Chennai will always be remembered for his legacy. However, his legacy is still ongoing as he has announced that he wants to play another season of IPL to present it as a gift to his fans all around the world. No matter what happens in IPL 2024, Dhoni will always be a legendary figure in not just Indian but world cricket. Here we have recounted the 7 instances in history which proves that MS Dhoni is a legend.
1. When Dhoni Became the First Indian Captain to Lift the IPL Trophy
MS Dhoni is the first ever Indian captain to lift the IPL trophy. He achieved the historic feat in 2010 when Chennai Super Kings defeated Mumbai Indians in the finals of the tournament. Before that only Australian players Shane Warne with Rajasthan Royals and Adam Gilchrist with Deccan Chargers had won the IPL trophies as captain. The 2010 IPL trophy was just a glimpse of the greatness that was about to come from Dhoni in the tournament.
2. When CSK Defended the IPL Title
MS Dhoni is the most successful IPL captain ever with 5 trophies and 11 appearances in finals. He is also the first ever captain in tournament’s history to help his team retain the title of champions. Till date, only Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have achieved this great feat.
Also read: 10 Motivational Quotes by MS Dhoni
3. When Thala Returned to CSK for Another IPL Trophy after Ban
Chennai Super Kings was banned from the Indian Premier League for two years due to the fixing scandal. MS Dhoni was bought by Rising Pune Supergiants in the auction and he even guided that team to the finals as well. However, the real epic moment arrived when CSK was brought back into the tournament in 2018 and MS Dhoni took the command to win the third trophy for Chennai Super Kings.
4. When Dhoni Won the 5th IPL Title to Become the Most Successful Captain in Tournament’s History
MS Dhoni is the most successful captain in IPL with five tournament victories. He has even won two Champions Trophy titles as well with CSK. Even at the age of 41 MS Dhoni is the biggest tool for CSK in the tournament. Thala fans have Dhoni farewell in almost all of the stadiums around India by wearing yellow jerseys and chanting his name at full power. It was fitting for Dhoni to lift the 5th IPL trophy and become the greatest ever captain in tournament’s history.
5. When Dhoni Announced He Wants to Gift his Fan Another Season of Play in IPL
IPL 2023 was being seen as the last year of MS Dhoni in the tournament. However, after winning the trophy Dhoni said something which delightfully shocked the entire cricketing fraternity. “Circumstancially, this is the best time to announce my retirement. But the amount of love I have received all over. The easy thing would be to walk away from here, but the harder thing would be working hard for 9 months and try to play another IPL. It would be a gift from me, won’t be easy on the body. You do get emotional, the first game at CSK everyone was chanting my name. My eyes were full of water, I needed to take some time off in the dugout. I realised I need to enjoy this. I think they love me for what I am, they love that I am so grounded, I don’t try to portray something I’m not. Just keep it simple,” Dhoni said in the IPL 2023 final presentation ceremony.
Also read: MS Dhoni in New IPL Ads That Gone Viral on Social Media
6. When Sunil Gavaskar Took MS Dhoni’s Autograph on his Shirt
Sunil Gavaskar is one of the greatest ever Indians to play cricket and even he is the fan of MS Dhoni. Gavaskar said it was a dreamy moment for him to get the autograph of Dhoni on his shirt. The heartfelt moment showed that Dhoni is a legend who even the legends of the game respect. This will surely go down as one of the most iconic moments in the history of IPL.
7. When Dhoni Launched Irfan Pathan’s Consecutive Balls for Sixes in IPL 2010 Semi Finals
One of MS Dhoni’s most memorable knocks came in IPL 2010 semi-final when he helped Chennai Super Kings chase down 16 runs in the last over against Punjab Kings. Dhoni smashed Irfan Pathan for consecutive sixes to seal the deal for Chennai Super Kings.