MS Dhoni Makes IPL History: First Player to Achieve 200 Dismissals

Posted by By Cricket Enthusiast

MS Dhoni Makes IPL History: First Player to Achieve 200 Dismissals

NEW DELHI: MS Dhoni, the legendary captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has once again etched his name into the annals of Indian Premier League (IPL) history by becoming the first player to record 200 dismissals in the tournament. The iconic wicketkeeper-batsman reached this extraordinary milestone during CSK’s thrilling encounter against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Monday.

The historic moment arrived in the 14th over of LSG’s innings when Dhoni executed a lightning-fast stumping to dismiss Ayush Badoni off the bowling of Ravindra Jadeja. Collecting a sharply turning delivery with impeccable precision, Dhoni whipped off the bails in a flash, leaving Badoni short of his crease. The TV umpire reviewed the dismissal and confirmed that Dhoni’s gloves were firmly behind the stumps, validating his 46th stumping in the IPL.

The 43-year-old veteran, playing in his 271st IPL match, now boasts an unparalleled tally of 201 dismissals, comprising 155 catches and 46 stumpings. Later in the match, Dhoni further showcased his brilliance behind the stumps by taking a sharp catch to dismiss LSG captain KL Rahul (incorrectly reported as Rishabh Pant in initial updates, as Pant plays for Delhi Capitals), who top-scored for his team with a valiant 63 off 49 balls.

Despite Rahul’s gritty effort, Lucknow Super Giants could only manage 166/7 in their allotted 20 overs, setting up a challenging yet achievable target for CSK. Dhoni’s contributions with the gloves added significant pressure on the LSG batting lineup, underlining his enduring value to the five-time IPL champions.

With this monumental achievement, Dhoni further solidifies his legacy as the greatest wicketkeeper in IPL history. Even in his 18th season, the ‘Thala’ of CSK continues to defy age with elite reflexes, razor-sharp anticipation, and an unmatched game sense that have inspired generations of cricketers. His record is a testament to his longevity, consistency, and unparalleled skill in the high-pressure environment of T20 cricket.

For context, Dhoni leads the IPL dismissals chart by a significant margin. Here’s a look at the top fielders in IPL history:

  • 201* – MS Dhoni (CSK)
  • 182 – Dinesh Karthik (RCB)
  • 126 – AB de Villiers (formerly RCB)
  • 124 – Robin Uthappa (formerly CSK, MI, others)
  • 118 – Wriddhiman Saha (GT)
  • 116 – Virat Kohli (RCB)

Dhoni’s journey in the IPL, which began in 2008 with the inaugural season, has been nothing short of legendary. Leading CSK to five IPL titles and consistently guiding young players, he remains a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the Yellow Brigade. As CSK continues their campaign in IPL 2023, fans will be eager to see if Dhoni can add more records to his illustrious career while steering his team towards yet another title contender spot.

Stay tuned for more updates on this match and other IPL action as the tournament heats up!

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