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MS Dhoni is one of the best batters in the history of the IPL. The star player has an amazing legacy to his name. Having played for CSK most of his career, Dhoni is one of the fewest players to have won 5 titles with the same team. The 42-year-old is the second captain to win 5 IPL trophies after Rohit Sharma. Despite being old, Dhoni is still going strong in the IPL 2024. The star layer is yet to be dismissed in the league and has finished many matches for CSK.
At his best, Dhoni can singlehandedly win matches for his side. Some of the best instances of it have come against PBKS, CSK's upcoming opponent in the league. The right-handed batter has a good record over the 2014 finalists which might be a crucial factor between both sides in their faceoff. The last time CSK faced PBKS, they lost at home. The focus would be on MS who is known as a master strategist be it the fielding placements or his knowledge of the game.
In the 49th match of the IPL 2024, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) will be taking on each other. The match is set to take place at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on the 1st of May 2024 at 7:30 PM (IST). Both teams have had a contrasting journey in the league so far. While CSK has 5 wins in their 9 matches, PBKS has just 3 wins in their 9 matches. CSK is placed in the top half at the third position in the points table. PBKS is placed in the bottom half, in the eighth position in the table.
Also Check: IPL 2024 Points Table
MS Dhoni’s overall record against the Punjab Kings
The 42-year-old has played 22 matches against PBKS. MS Dhoni has scored 585 runs against the 2014 runner-ups at a batting average of 53.18, and a batting strike rate of 149.23, including four fifty-plus scores. The right-handed batter has scored the second most runs against PBKS for CSK, only behind Suresh Raina. His best score against the franchise is 79 which came back in 2018, at IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali in a losing cause.
| Total Matches Played | 27 |
| Runs scored | 585 |
| Batting Average | 53.18 |
| Batting Strike Rate | 149.23 |
| 100s/50s | 0/4 |
| Best Score | 79 |
Also Check: IPL 2024 Orange Cap
Memorable performance against Punjab Kings
In 2010, the star batter played a blinder for CSK. In the match against PBKS, he smashed an unbeaten 55* runs in 29 balls. On a wicket with some assistance for the bowlers, the former CSK skipper played well and chased down the total well. It was a great knock, as CSK had to win it at all costs to stay alive in the tournament. They went on to win the match to qualify for the playoffs. Later on, CSK won their maiden trophy which changed the league forever.
In the IPL 2018, CSK had one of the best teams. On a tricky wicket like Mohali, CSK batters struggled to get going. In came MSD at number 5 and batted like a dream. The right-handed batter scored 79* runs in 44 balls which included 6 fours and 5 sixes. The knock of the finisher meant CSK reduced the margin of loss against PBKS. On the back of a great knock from Chris Gayle, PBKS had posted 197 runs on the board. CSK lost the match by just 4 runs.
Key Battles for MS Dhoni against Punjab Kings
Kagiso Rabada - The right-arm pacer has had the better of the former Indian batter at the highest level. However, Dhoni has found ways to counter the South African bowler in the IPL. As Dhoni is likely to bat mostly at the death, his challenge will be to score as many runs as possible. In the last few overs, Dhoni has been a beast with the bat. His knock at the fag end of the match could decide the result of the game. Rabada would be the best bet for PBKS to stop the WK batter.
Harshal Patel - The right-arm pacer has a lot of variations in his armoury. His slower ones and Yorker ones are effective at times and can trouble the batters. While Dhoni does not have a problem facing either of those deliveries, in the last few overs, given the need to hit a boundary every ball, if there is any misjudgement in timing the ball, or if Harshal delivers exceptional deliveries, there is a good chance of getting the star batter out, which promises to be a good battle.
MS Dhoni’s Record and Stats against Punjab Kings
The CSK batter has 655 runs against PBKS in 25 games, which is the 13th most for a batter against PBKS in the history of the league. Dhoni's batting average of 50.38 is the 3rd-best for a batter against PBKS in the league with a minimum of 550 runs. His 30 sixes is the 2nd most for a CSK batter against PBKS in the IPL history. In the upcoming game, if he hits 2 sixes, MS will top the chart. His 44 fours against the opponent is the third most for a CSK batter.
The former India batter has 4 fifties against PBKS to his name, the third most for a CSK batter against PBKS. His average of 53.18 is the third-best for a CSK batter against PBKS after Mike Hussey and Faf Du Plessis. The star batter has a batting strike rate of 149.23, the third most for CSK against PBKS after Mike Hussey and Suresh Raina. Dhoni has played the most number of matches for CSK against PBKS and will solidify it after playing the upcoming game.
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