MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings have been part of IPL folklore for so long now, it is easy to forget how they got there in the first place. Very few gave CSK any chances of reaching 2008 final as they did not have any legendary Indian name in their squad. MS Dhoni has his own set of records in IPL history.
CSK punched above their weight in the first few seasons, thanks in large part to their skipper Dhoni. CSK reached four consecutive finals from 2010-2014 and MS Dhoni’s popularity increased with each passing season. As a captain and finisher, MS Dhoni has set several records over the years. We will look at five such records in this article.
#5 Most sixes by an Indian in IPL
MS Dhoni has always been a hard hitter of the cricket ball due to the ability to generate immense power from his bottom hand. It is one of the reasons why he plays the helicopter shot so well.
Dhoni has hit 216 sixes in his IPL career, three more than Rohit Sharma. Remarkably, he set a personal best of 30 sixes in the 2018 season when everyone thought his powers have waned. However, he hit just 7 sixes last season and will be itching to redeem his six-hitting form in 2021.
#4 Most not outs in IPL
This record is not at all a surprise as Dhoni is known for his tendency to stretch the game until the last over. He has remained unbeaten on 69 occasions in the IPL, more than any other batsman.
Especially in a run chase, Dhoni often decides to wait and target bowlers at the death when they are under pressure. When he remains unbeaten in a chase, his team more often than not ends up winning the game. In 2015, he remained not out on a remarkable 10 occasions. But in the last IPL, he was unable to finish games on a high partly because he batted lower down the order.
#3 Most dismissals in IPL
Dhoni’s wicket-keeping ability, especially his lightning-quick stumpings have a separate fan base. In the IPL, he has played a part in 148 dismissals, most for a keeper. Of the 148 dismissals, 39 are stumpings, again more than any other keeper. His outstanding glovework has turned the match on its head several times. His best stumpings include the dismissal of de Villiers in 2017, 2018 and Stoinis’ dismissal in 2020.
#2 Most victories as Captain in IPL
Dhoni has led his team to victory in 110 IPL matches and this record could forever remain unmatched. He has captained in 188 games totally and has endured 77 losses in his IPL career.
His first victory as Captain came in the second IPL match of 2008 against Kings XI Punjab. It was a memorable game with both sides scoring over 200. Dhoni’s most recent victory as skipper also came against the same opponents, although this one was a one-sided dead rubber.
#1 Most appearances in IPL
MSD is all set to extend this record when he takes the field against Delhi Capitals next Saturday. He has played 204 games in IPL thus far and is one among the few players to have played in every edition of the IPL.
In 174 matches for CSK, he averages over forty and strikes at 138.64. The numbers decline while representing RPS as the average is 31.89 and a strike rate is 124. This record could be easily broken by Rohit Sharma who has already made 200 appearances in IPL.
