Mahendra Singh Dhoni created yet another feat on Saturday as he led out Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 37-year-old became the first man to captain in 150 IPL matches.
Dhoni has had a stellar career as skipper, leading Team India to all three major ICC trophies. Even in the IPL, 'Captain Cool' has been incredibly successful. He is leading CSK in the ninth season in a row, having won the title twice. Not just CSK, Dhoni even led the now defunct Rising Pune Supergiant in the ninth edition of the cash-rich T20 tournament.
In the ongoing season, Dhoni has been in great form. He has guided CSK to the top of the points table, contributing both as a captain and batsman. During his bludgeoning knock of 70* off 34 in CSK's last game against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Mahi became the first Indian captain to cross the 5000-run mark in T20 cricket. He currently has 5036 runs, followed by Gautam Gambhir (4242 runs) and Virat Kohli (3591 runs).
On Saturday, MI skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to field. The visitors made two changes to their playing XI, with Kieron Pollard being benched. CSK, on the other hand, went in with the same side that defeated RCB in their last game.
CSK got to 169 for 5 at their adopted home ground - the MCA stadium in Pune. While Dhoni could just manage a 21-ball 26, Suresh Raina was the star as he blasted an unbeaten 47-ball 75. For MI, Mitchell McClenaghan bowled the best spell. The New Zealand fast-bowler took two for 26 from his four overs.
Here are the playing XIs
Mumbai Indians: Suryakumar Yadav, Evin Lewis, Ishan Kishan(w), Rohit Sharma(c), Jean-Paul Duminy, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Ben Cutting, Mitchell McClenaghan, Mayank Markande, Jasprit Bumrah.
Chennai Super Kings: Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Sam Billings, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w/c), Dwayne Bravo, Harbhajan Singh, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Imran Tahir.
