In different IPL seasons, venues, and pressure situations, MS Dhoni has repeatedly played match-saving and match-winning knocks for Chennai Super Kings. His top innings range from explosive scores like 51* off 20 to fighting finishes like 84*, showing finishing power and calm control.
- MS Dhoni’s Dominating 84 not out vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
- MS Dhoni’s Clinical 79 not out vs Kings XI Punjab
- MS Dhoni’s Powerful 75 not out vs Rajasthan Royals
- MS Dhoni’s Sensational 70 not out vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
- MS Dhoni’s Match-Winning 51 not out vs Mumbai Indians
- MS Dhoni’s Top 5 Staging Performances
Even in matches CSK lost, like the close thrillers against RCB in 2019 and Punjab in 2018, Dhoni still nearly pulled off impossible chases. In knockout games like the 2012 Eliminator, his 51* changed the match. His rescue knocks against Rajasthan, and other teams prove his value as a finisher.
MS Dhoni’s Dominating 84 not out vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
The IPL 2019 season match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore was played at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, during the league stage of that year’s edition of the IPL.
MS Dhoni played an unbelievable knock, scoring 84 not out from 48 balls, with 5 fours and 7 sixes, almost finishing the chase alone with smart hitting and calm finishing under extreme last-over pressure for his team there.
RCB set 161 and won by 1 run, as Dhoni could not score the final ball, and the last run out ended the match in a last-ball thriller finish only there.
MS Dhoni’s Clinical 79 not out vs Kings XI Punjab
The IPL 2018 season match between Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab was played at PCA IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali, during the league stage of the eleventh edition of the tournament.
MS Dhoni played a brave innings, scoring 79 not out off 44 balls with 6 fours and 5 sixes, batting through back pain and almost chasing the big target with powerful shots and smart strike rotation till the final over.
Kings XI Punjab scored 197/7 while Chennai Super Kings finished at 193/5, so Punjab won by 4 runs, even though Dhoni hit a six on the last ball, but it was not enough.
MS Dhoni’s Powerful 75 not out vs Rajasthan Royals
The IPL 2019 season match between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals was played at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai, during the league stage of the twelfth edition of the Indian Premier League.
MS Dhoni played a calm yet powerful innings, scoring 75 not out off 46 balls with 4 fours and 4 sixes, rescuing CSK from 27 for 3 and finishing strongly with three huge sixes in the final over.
CSK posted 175 for 5 after Dhoni’s rescue act, and Rajasthan Royals fell short while chasing, so Chennai Super Kings won the match by 8 runs after defending the total successfully.
MS Dhoni’s Sensational 70 not out vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
The IPL 2011 season match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore was played at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, during the league stage of the fourth edition of the tournament that year.
MS Dhoni played a fighting captain’s knock, scoring 70 not out off 40 balls with 3 fours and 6 sixes, holding the innings together after early wickets and scoring quickly to push CSK to a defendable total.
CSK scored 128 for 8 in a rain-affected match; the target was revised, and RCB chased it comfortably, winning by 8 wickets with 12 balls left despite Dhoni’s strong effort.
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MS Dhoni’s Match-Winning 51 not out vs Mumbai Indians
IPL 2012 Eliminator match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians was played at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, during the playoff stage of the fifth edition of the IPL season that year.
MS Dhoni played a super explosive knock, scoring 51 not out off 20 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes, attacking from the start and turning pressure into momentum with a fast counterattack and a big partnership with Bravo.
CSK recovered from 48 for 2 to score 187 for 5, then their bowlers defended the total successfully, knocking the Mumbai Indians out and winning the Eliminator with Dhoni named Man of the Match.
MS Dhoni’s Top 5 Staging Performances
| Runs (Balls) | Opponent | Year | Match Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 84* (48) | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 2019 | Highest IPL score, near successful chase |
| 79* (44) | Kings XI Punjab | 2018 | Power chase effort, the game went to the last over |
| 75* (46) | Rajasthan Royals | 2019 | Rescued innings after top-order collapse |
| 70* (40) | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 2011 | Anchored innings after early wickets |
| 51* (20) | Mumbai Indians | 2012 | Explosive Eliminator knocks at SR 255 |
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