The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 is set to be a momentous occasion for cricket fans all over the world, and especially for fans of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and their iconic captain, MS Dhoni. With speculation rife that this could be Dhoni’s final IPL season, fans are eagerly anticipating what could be his last hurrah in the league.
Dhoni is one of the greatest cricketers of all time, having captained the Indian national team to multiple trophies and accolades during his time as skipper. While he retired from international cricket in 2019, he has continued to play in the IPL and has been a key figure for the Chennai Super Kings, leading them to four IPL titles.
While Dhoni’s role as a batter for CSK has somewhat diminished in recent years due to the emergence of other world-class all-rounders in the team, such as Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo, his leadership and tactical nous remain invaluable. Dhoni’s ability to finish games with the bat and his brilliant wicket-keeping skills have earned him a reputation as one of the all-time greats of the game.
As the 16th edition of the IPL approaches, there are several records that Dhoni could break if he has a good season. Here are the top three:
Most sixes by an Indian batsman: Dhoni is known for his power-hitting ability, and he currently has 229 sixes in the IPL, which is the fourth-most overall and the second-most among active players. He needs just 21 more sixes to reach the milestone of 250, which no Indian batsman has achieved before. If Dhoni can hit a few big sixes this season, he could become the first Indian to reach this landmark.
Most matches played in the IPL: Dhoni holds the record for the most matches played by any player in the history of the IPL, with 234 appearances so far. He is currently ahead of Dinesh Karthik, who has played 229 matches. If Dhoni can play in all of CSK’s matches this season, he will become the first player ever to reach the milestone of 250 IPL appearances.
First wicket-keeper to score 5,000 runs in the IPL: Dhoni is just 22 runs short of reaching the milestone of 5,000 runs in the IPL, a feat that no wicket-keeper has achieved before. If he can score those 22 runs in the upcoming season, he will become the first-ever wicket-keeper to achieve this landmark in the history of the IPL.
Dhoni’s contribution to Indian cricket and the IPL cannot be overstated. He is one of the greatest captains and finishers in the history of the game, and his calmness under pressure and tactical acumen have won him many admirers. As he prepares for what could be his final IPL season, fans will be hoping to see him break these records and lead the Chennai Super Kings to another title.
In conclusion, MS Dhoni’s final IPL season could be a historic one, as he looks to break several records and cement his place as one of the greatest players in the history of the IPL. Whether or not this is his final season remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that cricket fans all over the world will be eagerly watching to see what he can achieve in the upcoming season.
