There’s something magical about MS Dhoni at the Wankhede Stadium. Fans cherish the iconic six that secured India’s 2011 World Cup victory, and on Sunday, Dhoni took us back in time by smashing a hat-trick of sixes off Hardik Pandya in the final over during Chennai Super Kings’ innings.
It was a crucial boost for CSK in the marquee IPL encounter against Mumbai Indians. For the fans packed in MI’s home ground, however, it was sheer euphoria to witness the cricket legend hitting it out of the park at the age of 42. Reactions flooded in from around the world on X (formerly Twitter), with fans and cricketers alike showering praise on Dhoni. The CSK icon dismantled Pandya, sending the first six over long-off, the second to cow corner, and the third over deep square leg.
DO NOT MISS
MSD 🤝 Hat-trick of Sixes 🤝 Wankhede going berserk
Sit back & enjoy the LEGEND spreading joy & beyond 💛 😍
Watch the match LIVE on @JioCinema and @StarSportsIndia 💻📱#TATAIPL | #MIvCSK | @msdhoni | @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/SuRErWrQTG
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 14, 2024
Despite Wankhede Stadium being the fortress of MI, the stands seemed awash with thousands of yellow jerseys, perhaps outnumbering even the blue ones. By the 16th over, Dhoni playfully started teasing the fans with his gloves, as cameras zoomed in on the pavilion. The entire stadium erupted when Daryl Mitchell was dismissed in the 20th over, signalling Dhoni’s entry. As an added treat, Dhoni treated the entire cricket world to three consecutive sixes, a nostalgic trip back in time.
A trip down the memory lane 🏆
The legendary MS Dhoni is back where he created history, in Mumbai 👏👏#TeamIndia | @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/YWCL5yIjVL
— BCCI (@BCCI) April 14, 2024
Playing his 250th IPL match for CSK, Dhoni not only crossed the 5,000-run milestone but also etched another unforgettable moment for the fans. Just like that six in the 2011 World Cup final, the three sixes at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday evening might be forever remembered, especially if this was Dhoni’s final appearance at this iconic venue.