Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have emerged as one of the best teams in the history of the Indian Premier League. They’ve made the playoffs a record 11 times and won four titles in the cash-rich league. CSK’s spectacular success has been led by its captain, MS Dhoni.
Dhoni has led them since the first edition, and after a brief sabbatical in the previous edition when Ravindra Jadeja was seen guiding the franchise, Dhoni took over the reins again when Jadeja’s stay at the helm failed to provide the desired results.
Dhoni has 4,978 runs at an average of 39.20 in 234 games, including 24 fifties. He has been the beating heart of CSK since its start and is still going strong in his late years. Here are three incredible IPL records held by Dhoni that may stand the test of time.
Number 1. He has recorded the most appearances as a captain of an IPL Team
CSK named Dhoni as the tournament’s symbol player in the maiden edition. This was due to his performance as the captain of the champion Indian side during the 2007 T20 World Cup. The 41-year-old was immediately selected captain of the Chennai franchise and led them to the final of the first IPL.
Because to Dhoni’s presence and the team’s success, CSK gradually became a fan favourite. In fact, due to a fever, the flamboyant leader missed his only match for CSK in 2019. Such has been the captain’s fitness and loyalty to the franchise.
Dhoni has captained CSK 210 times. Rohit is ranked second on the list with 143 games as a leader for Mumbai Indians, while Virat Kohli is ranked third with 140 games for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Number 2. MS Dhoni has hit the most number of sixes in the 20th over of an IPL match
Some players live in fear of losing their position on the national team and try to adjust their tactics to meet the needs of the team. Dhoni, on the other hand, is a player who uses his attacking mindset to outperform opposing bowlers.
The same approach is evident when he enters the middle and the team requires a flourish. Dhoni brings his A-game in pressure situations because of his experience and conviction in his talents, and he seldom fails.
Dhoni has already struck 52 sixes in the 20th over, the most by any player in IPL history. Kieron Pollard (33) and Ravindra Jadeja (26) are the players who come after him. It’s a metric that represents the type of influence he has at the tail end of innings.
Number 3. Most number of wins as a leader
It is vital for any leader to generate consistent results for his team over a long period of time. To be successful as a captain in a tough league like the IPL, you must have skill, patience, and make the right judgements.
CSK won the title in 2009, 2010, 2018, and 2021 under Dhoni. They have dominated the league because to their outstanding performances and the presence of a composed captain such as Dhoni. Furthermore, he has attempted to maintain the team’s core intact ahead of most seasons, which has contributed to their success.
Dhoni has led CSK to victory in 123 of their 210 matches. Second-placed Rohit has 79 wins and five titles for MI, while Kohli has 64 wins for RCB.