'Main pal do pal ka shayar hoon…' resonates deeply within our hearts, doesn't it?
The world stood witness, three years ago, as a cricketing icon gracefully retreated to the shadows of the game.
In the present hour, cricket enthusiasts wait with bated breath as the beloved Mahendra Singh Dhoni enters the last phase of his iconic career.
At least, that is the path ahead.
The legendary maestro has forever kept the cricketing realm enthralled, ever uncertain of his next move. Is IPL 2023 to be his swansong? Shall MSD grace the field in the years that lie ahead?
Alas, the answers elude us, but gratitude fills our souls.
Since 2008, Dhoni has graced the field for the Chennai Super Kings over 200 times, while representing the Rising Pune Supergiant as well for a couple of seasons.
As captain, he ascended to the zenith of leadership, guiding the Chennai Super Kings to four illustrious titles, the most recent in 2021, evoking eternal respect.
Yet, it is his presence as a dependable lower-order batter that has solidified his place among the pantheon of cricketing legends, showcasing time and again why he is hailed as one of the greatest finishers of the game.
Even in IPL 2023, Dhoni strode purposefully to the crease during an enthralling clash against the Delhi Capitals. As the first innings drew to a close, his willow wielded a 9-ball-20, a knock so very crucial for his side.
Across more than 240 IPL encounters, Dhoni scored more than 5000 runs—an extraordinary feat for a lower-order maestro. With 24 half-centuries, adorned with over 300 fours and an awe-inspiring tally surpassing 230 sixes, he has made a fan out of almost everyone who follows this game.
Following his all-important knock against the Delhi Capitals, Dhoni humbly stated, 'My job is to hit a few deliveries. Don't make me run a lot.'
Even then, in our hearts, we know Dhoni to be synonymous with scorching knocks that have often carried his team across the finish line, even if by the narrowest of margins.
Yet, his greatest IPL innings concluded amidst the clutches of defeat. But even then, we will remember MSD for when he was at the crease, anything was possible.
Here's looking back at his best knocks in the history of IPL.
84* vs RCB in 2019
Chennai Super Kings were given a target of 162 by hosts Royal Challengers Bangalore and were reduced to 83/5. In walked MSD, going full throttle on the Bangalore bowlers.
He hit an incredible 48-ball-84, his highest ever in the Indian Premier League, including 24 runs off just 5 deliveries in the final over. But alas, the visitors fell short by just 1 run and Dhoni remained unbeaten in a game where he gave it all yet lost.
79* vs KXIP in 2018
His second-highest score ever too was in a losing cause versus the then Kings XI Punjab. CSK were chasing 198 and were caught in a struggle at 56/3 when Dhoni took to the crease in the 7th over.
There was no looking back for MS then. In just 44 balls, Dhoni had hit 6 fours and 5 sixes to reach 79, including a 16-run penultimate over.
But it was not enough, and CSK lost the match by 5 runs.
However, not all of Dhoni’s knocks have been in vain.
75* vs RR in 2019
Playing at Chepauk vs the Rajasthan Royals, CSK had been asked to bat first.
In a surprise move, MS had walked in at number 4 when the hosts had been reduced to 22/2 before the powerplay was over.
Dhoni had led the charge, scoring an unbeaten 75 in 46 balls with 4 fours and as many sixes. In the last 18 balls of the innings, Chennai Super Kings had hit the Rajasthan bowlers for 60 runs, most of which were by Dhoni.
The hosts had managed to put up 175 on the board, winning the match by 8 runs. Dhoni was adjudged Player of the Match, no questions asked.
70* vs RCB in 2018
This knock by Dhoni can perhaps be regarded as one of the best comebacks by a team, also showing why MSD is one of the most reliable batters cricket has ever gotten.
Chasing a mammoth 205, Dhoni’s team was reduced to 74/4 at the end of the 9th over. The skipper came in, turning the game around in just 10 overs to take the visitors over the finish line with two balls to spare. Once more, Dhoni remained unbeaten at 70* in half the deliveries.
51* vs MI in 2012
Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are arguably the two best teams in the history of IPL with 9 titles combined.
Facing off in the 2012 eliminator, Chennai had put up a total of 187 for Mumbai to chase.
But getting to the defendable 187 was not easy for CSK till Dhoni took the matter in his own hands. Chennai had not crossed the 3-digit mark until the 14th over. That is when the skipper had arrived.
In the next six overs, Dhoni starred with the bat at an incredible strike rate of 255 and played a valiant knock of 51* in just 20 balls.
CSK would eventually win the game by 38 runs.
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Majority of the knocks Dhoni has played, he has remained unbeaten, even when he came in to bat higher up the order, a testimony of his reliable game.
Cricket is shrouded in uncertainty over MS Dhoni’s retirement, however each passing day brings fans closer to the moment when we will bid him adieu.
‘Mujhse pehle kitne shayar aaye aur aakar chalein gaye…Woh bhi ek pal ka kissa the, main bhi ek pal ka kissa hu,’ Mukesh had sung in Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar.
But, for cricket, Mahendra Singh Dhoni is more than just a moment in time.