Chennai Super Kings fans were hopeful of seeing MS Dhoni come out to bat early on Sunday after the team incurred a dramatic middle-order collapse. However, many were left surprised upon seeing Shardul Thakur come out to bat ahead of the 'Thala'. The situation then saw Shardul remain in the middle for 11 balls before being dismissed in the penultimate over of the innings. The bizarre decision by the CSK management meant that Dhoni batted at the No. 9 spot for the first time in his T20 career. However, his stay lasted for only one ball, with Punjab Kings pacer Harshal Patel getting him out clean bowled with a slow yorker.
It was the first time that Dhoni was dismissed by a bowler in this IPL season, with his only dismissal in this campaign before coming in the form of a run-out. While Dhoni was fully deceived by Harshal's slower delivery, it was his batting number that triggered an epic meme-fest on social media.
Dhoni: You can go bat before me
Bravo: Bro I am a coach now pic.twitter.com/Sl91tuK9cq
New IPL Logo.... Thala For a Reason... #CSKvPBKS #Dhonipic.twitter.com/ja9ZyFgrXS pic.twitter.com/IBBL3kZzVV
When a wicket falls Dhoni in the dressing room.... pic.twitter.com/e1uSRgqwzN
CSK players bringing Dhoni for bat after losing four early wickets pic.twitter.com/MzfNCM6zYa
I'm sorry but if Dhoni isn't fit enough to come ahead of Santner and Shardul then he should genuinely sit out.. he's doing disservice to his franchise!!#PBKSvCSK pic.twitter.com/gkrEO80DlC
The decorated wicketkeeper's appearance in eight innings at No 8 has all come across IPL 2023 and 2024. Once again, fireworks were expected from the effortless power hitter, which would send CSK's score to a competitive total.
However, a sublime off-cutter from Harshal
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